Photographic mode selectable camera

ABSTRACT

A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a flash unit for applying flash light to a photographic object. An exposure amount changer, such as an aperture stop changing mechanism, changes over object light incident on photo film from the object between low and high exposure amounts. For the lens-fitted photo film unit, a photographic mode selection device includes a movable selector, such as a button, for selectively designating a daylight mode, a daylight flash mode and a night flash mode. The movable selector, when the daylight mode is designated, determines the low exposure amount and turns off the flash unit, and when the daylight flash mode is designated, determines the low exposure amount and turns on the flash unit, and when the night flash mode is designated, determines the high exposure amount and turns on the flash unit. The movable selector is externally operable, designates the daylight mode when in a first set position, designates the daylight flash mode when in a second set position, and designates the night flash mode when in a third set position. The second set position is located between the first and third set positions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a photographic mode selectablecamera. More particularly, the present invention relates to aphotographic mode selectable camera in which selection of a desired oneof plural photographic modes in the camera can be effected correctlywithout error.

[0003] 2. Description Related to the Prior Art

[0004] A lens-fitted photo film unit is known, and pre-loaded with photofilm in the course of manufacture. In a very early type of thelens-fitted photo film unit, an amount of flash light of a flash deviceis fixed. Also, an aperture stop and shutter speed are fixed. It hasbeen possible to use the lens-fitted photo film unit in only a verylimited condition in consideration of optimizing an exposure to betaken.

[0005] There are needs of users to take photographs in variousconditions with high image quality. To this end, JP-A 9-015693 and JP-A8-184944 disclose suggested improvements of the lens-fitted photo filmunit.

[0006] According to JP-A 9-015693, an aperture stop in the lens-fittedphoto film unit is changed over to a large aperture stop opening inusing the flash device. According to JP-A 8-184944, a shutter speed ofthe lens-fitted photo film unit is set slower in using the flash device.In each of those, an exposure amount can be sufficiently high even inuse of the flash device of a small amount of flash light. An exposurecan b taken typically by utilizing ambient light as illumination.

[0007] When the lens-fitted photo film unit according to each one of theabove two documents is used to take an exposure in the daylight syncphotography, an overexposure occurs. To solve this problem, JP-A2001-215599 discloses an alternative structure of the lens-fitted photofilm unit changeable between a daylight mode, a night flash mode and adaylight flash mode. In the daylight mode, the flash device is turnedoff, and a small aperture stop opening is set. In the night flash mode,the flash device is turned on, and a large aperture stop opening is set.In the daylight flash mode, the flash device is turned on, and the smallaperture stop opening is set.

[0008] The lens-fitted photo film unit of this document has a slidabletype and a depressible type of operable members. The slidable type isoperated to select one of the daylight mode and the night flash mode.The depressible type is operated to set or not to set the daylight flashmode. For safety in the mode selection of a user without an error, thelens-fitted photo film unit is provided with a structure to restrict thechangeover between the night flash mode and the daylight flash mode.

[0009] Furthermore, JP-A 2000-305221 discloses the lens-fitted photofilm unit of which the operable member is biased by a spring toward itsinitial position for the purpose of preventing errors in a user soperation and ensuring precision in a selection mechanism. In thisdocument, the spring is used to bias an aperture stop changingmechanism, by use of which the operable member is biased indirectly.

[0010] There is a type of the lens-fitt d photo film unit in which afocal lngth and an amount of flash light are changed over at the time ofclose-up photography. In this type, there is linking among the operablemember, a focal length changing plate and a flash light reducing plate.A toggle spring is connected with the focal length changing plate, andbiases the operable member toward the initial position. Also, U.S. Pat.No. 5,950,025 (corresponding to JP-A 10-031249) discloses thelens-fitted photo film unit in which the operable member is retained ona view field changing plate of a rotatable type for a viewfinder. Atoggle spring is connected with the view field changing plate, to biasthe operable member toward the initial position.

[0011] Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,609 (corresponding to JP-A 7-134368)discloses a construction with plural photographic modes to change over aview field of a viewfinder and an aperture size for a frame. This is incontrast with the above-mentioned JP-A 2000-305221 in which the aperturestop is changed over to a large aperture stop state at the time of flashphotography.

[0012] JP-A 2000-162738 discloses three photographic modes in which thelens-fitted photo film unit is changeable. Three positions to stop theoperable member are arranged in one straight direction. The operablemember is slid, and is retained in one of the positions assigned to onemode desired by a user, to designate the selected one of the threephotographic modes. To this end, ridges are formed for exactlypositioning the operable member in its moving path.

[0013] If there are so great a number of modes at which the lens-fittedphoto film unit can be set, the conditions where exposures ar taken canbe varied to a large extent. However, a problem arises in that thenumerous modes may confuse a user who is uncertain on techniques ofphotography. He or she may fail to select the most suitable one of themodes in view of a scene.

[0014] In relation to the mode selection according to JP-A 2001-215599,a user is likely to commit an error in selecting one of the night flashmode and the daylight flash mode in the lens-fitted photo film unit.There is a higher probability of his or her selection of the slidabletype of the operable member relevant to the daylight mode, to determinethe night flash mode. This may cause a problem of occurrence ofoverexposure even in the product changeable in the numerous photographicmodes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In view of the foregoing problems, an object of the presentinvention is to provide a photographic mode selectable camera in whichselection of an intended one of plural photographic modes can beeffected correctly by reducing probability of errors in the selection.

[0016] In order to achieve the above and other objects and advantages ofthis invention, a photographic mode selectable camera is provided, thecamera including a flash unit for applying flash light to a photographicobject, and an exposure amount changer for changing over object lightincident on photo film from the object between low and high exposureamounts. The photographic mode selectable camera includes a movableselector for designating a selected one of a daylight mode, a daylightflash mode and a night flash mode, wherein the movable selector, whenthe daylight mode is designated, sets the exposure amount changer at thelow exposure amount and turns off the flash unit, and when the daylightflash mode is designated, sets the exposure amount changer at the lowexposure amount and turns on the flash unit, and when the night flashmode is designated, sets the exposure amount changer at the highexposure amount and turns on the flash unit. The movable selector isexternally operable between first, second and third set positions,designates the daylight mode when in the first set position, designatesthe daylight flash mode when in the second set position, and designatesthe night flash mode when in the third set position, and the second setposition is located between the first and third set positions.

[0017] The camera further includes an aperture stop opening for passingthe object light from the object toward the photo film. The exposureamount changer includes an aperture stop mechanism for changing over theaperture stop opening between large and small aperture stop states, forselecting the small aperture stop state when the daylight mode or thedaylight flash mode is designated, and for selecting the large aperturestop state when the night flash mode is designated.

[0018] The camera further includes a shutter mechanism for providing thephoto film with an exposure. The exposure amount changer furtherincludes a shutter speed changing mechanism for changing over a shutterspeed of the shutter mechanism between high and low shutter speeds,selects the high shutter speed when the daylight mode or the daylightflash mode is designated, and selects the low shutter speed when thenight flash mode is designated.

[0019] The camera further includes a flash light amount adjustor forchanging over the flash light of the flash unit between large and smalllight amounts, for selecting the large light amount when the daylightflash mode is designated, and for selecting the small light amount whenthe night flash mode is designated.

[0020] The camera is a lens-fitted photo film unit pre-loaded with thephoto film.

[0021] The movable selector comprises a movable, external operablemember. Furthermore, a first guide mechanism guides the externaloperable member in a first moving path between the first and second setpositions. A second guide mechanism guides the external operable memberin a second moving path between the second and third second setpositions, wherein the second moving path extends angularly from thefirst moving path at the second set position.

[0022] The first guide mechanism includes a first guide plate secured toone of the second guide mechanism and the camera. A first guide openingis formed in the first guide plate, and having an edge extending alongthe first moving path. A first guide projection is formed to projectfrom a remaining one of the second guide mechanism and the camera, formovably contacting the edge of the first guide opening to be guided. Thesecond guide mechanism includes a second guide plate secured to one ofthe first guide mechanism and the external operable member. A secondguide opening is formed in the second guide plate, and having an edgeextending along the second moving path. A second guide projection isformed to project from a remaining one of the first guide mechanism andthe external operable member, for movably contacting the edge of thesecond guide opening to be guided.

[0023] The edge of the first guide opening extends along a straightline, the first guide projection is slidable, the edge of the secondguide opening extends along an arc, and the second guide projection isrotatable.

[0024] The first guide projection projects from the camera, the secondguide plate is secured to the first guide plate, and the second guideprojection projects from the external operable member.

[0025] In one preferred embodiment, the third set position is locatedexternally from the first and second set positions, and the externaloperable member is pulled outwards when shifted from the second setposition to the third set position.

[0026] The external operable member includes first and second edgeportions. The first guide mechanism includes a slider slidable betweenfirst and second positions that correspond to respectively the first andsecond set positions. The second guide mechanism includes a rotationalsupport mechanism for securing the first edge portion of the externaloperable member to the slider, and for supporting the external operablemember on the slider in a rotatable manner between the second and thirdset positions, wherein the external operable member is shifted to thethird set position by external operation to pull outwards the secondedge portion.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment, the camera includes an outercover. The first guide mechanism includes a first gap portion, formed inthe outer cover to extend along the first moving path, for guiding theexternal operable member between the first and second set positions in aslidable manner. The second guide mechanism includes a second gapportion, formed in the outer cover to extend along the second movingpath from an edge of the first gap portion, for guiding the ext rnal oprable member between the second and third set positions in a slidablemanner.

[0028] In still another preferred embodiment, the third set position islocated internally from the first and second set positions, and theexternal operable member is depressed inwards when shifted from thesecond set position to the third set position.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the movable selector comprisesan external operable member movable between the first to thirdpositions. Furthermore, a first slidable member is secured to an insideof the external operable member, and slidable between first to thirdpositions that correspond to respectively the first to third setpositions. A second slidable member is slidable along a sliding path ofthe first slidable member. A linking mechanism links the first slidablemember with the second slidable member in a removable manner, fordisengagement with resiliency upon sliding of the first slidable memberfrom the second position toward the third position, to allow the firstslidable member to move independently from the second slidable member,and for engagement again with resiliency upon sliding of the firstslidable member from the second position toward the first position, toallow the first slidable member to move together with the secondslidable member, whereby the second slidable member shifts in a rangecorresponding to a section defined between the first and second setpositions.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the movable selector comprisesan external operable member movable between the first to third setpositions. Furthermore, a lock mechanism is movable between a releasingposition and a locking position, for allowing the external operablemember to move from th second set position to the third set positionwhen in the releasing position, and for blocking movement of theexternal operable member from second set position toward the third setposition when in the locking position.

[0031] The first to third set positions are arranged substantially alonga straight line.

[0032] Furthermore, a sync switch is pressed and curved by a portion ofthe shutter blade in movement of the shutter blade from the shutposition toward the open position, for being turned on. The shutterspeed changing mechanism sets a curved amount of the sync switchstepwise at a selected one of large and small amounts, so as to set eachof the low and high shutter speeds.

[0033] The shutter speed changing mechanism includes a pad movable toand from a position behind the sync switch, wherein the pad, when thehigh shutter speed is set, is positioned behind the sync switch to setthe curved amount of the sync switch at the small amount, and when thelow shutter speed is set, is positioned away from behind the sync switchto set the curved amount of the sync switch at the large amount.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, a camera includes guidemeans for temporarily retaining the mode selection operable member inthe second set position in moving the mode selection operable memberfrom the first set position to the second set position, and for settinga second shift of the mode selection operable member discontinuous froma first shift thereof, wherein the first shift is defined between thefirst and second set positions, and the second shift is defined betweenthe second and third set positions.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, the movableselector includes a first external operable member, shiftable betweenfirst and second set positions, for designating the daylight mode whenin the first set position, and for designating the daylight flash modewhen in the second set position. A second external operable member isshiftable between third and fourth set positions, for designating thenight flash mode when in the third set position, and for cancelingdesignation of the night flash mode when in the fourth set position.

[0036] The second external operable member is movable when the firstexternal operable member is in the second set position.

[0037] Moving paths of the first and second external operable membersoverlap on each other at least partially. The first external operablemember, when in the first set position, locks the second externaloperable member in the fourth set position, and when in the second setposition, allows the second external operable member to move to thethird set position.

[0038] The moving paths of the first and second external operablemembers are collinear with each other.

[0039] In one preferred embodiment, the moving paths of the first andsecond external operable members extend angularly from each other.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the first external operablemember is movable along a first moving path, and the second externaloperable member is movable along a second moving path extending in adirection different from the first moving path.

[0041] In still another preferred embodiment, moving paths of the firstand second external operable members extend along each other.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, a moving path of one of thefirst and second external operable members extends along a straightline, and a moving path of a remaining one of the first and secondexternal operable members is curved.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, one of the first and secondexternal operable members is depressible in a pushbutton fashion withreference to a moving path of a remaining one of the first and secondexternal operable members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The above objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description when readin connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045]FIG. 1 is a perspective illustrating a lens-fitted photo filmunit;

[0046]FIG. 2 is a perspective illustrating the lens-fitted photo filmunit in which a daylight flash mode is set;

[0047]FIG. 3 is a perspective illustrating the lens-fitted photo filmunit in which a night flash mode is set;

[0048]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective illustrating the lens-fittedphoto film unit;

[0049]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective illustrating mechanisms forchanging over an aperture stop and a shutter speed;

[0050]FIG. 6 is an explanatory view in plan, illustrating a shutterspeed changing mechanism set for a high shutter speed;

[0051]FIG. 7 is an explanatory view in plan, illustrating the shutterspeed changing mechanism set for a low shutter speed;

[0052]FIG. 8 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the high shutter speed in the shutter speed changing mechanism;

[0053]FIG. 9 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the low shutter speed in the shutter speed changing mechanism;

[0054]FIG. 10 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the mechanisms for the changeover in the daylight mode;

[0055]FIG. 11 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the mechanisms for the changeover in the daylight flash mode;

[0056]FIG. 12 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the mechanisms for the changeover in the night flash mode;

[0057]FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective illustrating a photographicmode selection device;

[0058]FIG. 14 is a perspective illustrating a state of inspection of thephotographic mode selection device;

[0059]FIG. 15 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the photographic mode selection device in the daylight mode;

[0060]FIG. 16 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the photographic mode selection device in the daylight flash mode;

[0061]FIG. 17 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the photographic mode selection device in the night flash mode;

[0062]FIG. 18 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof a light reduction transmission lever and an indication lever in thedaylight mode;

[0063]FIG. 19 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the light reduction transmission lever and the indication lever inthe daylight flash mode;

[0064]FIG. 20 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the light reduction transmission lever and the indication lever inthe night flash mode;

[0065]FIG. 21A is a perspective illustrating another preferred externaloperable button in a position for the daylight mode;

[0066]FIG. 21B is a perspective illustrating the button of FIG. 21A in aposition for the daylight flash mode;

[0067]FIG. 21C is a perspective illustrating the button of FIG. 21A in aposition for the night flash mode;

[0068]FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective illustrating a photographicmode selection device with the button of FIGS. 21A-21C;

[0069]FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective illustrating a state of thephotographic mode selection device in the daylight mode;

[0070]FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective illustrating a state of thephotographic mode selection device in the daylight flash mode;

[0071]FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective illustrating a state of thephotographic mode selection device in the night flash mode;

[0072] FIGS. 26A-26C are perspectives illustrating one preferredexternal operable button with a slidable and pullable structure;

[0073]FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective illustrating a state of thestructure of FIGS. 26A-26C in the daylight mode;

[0074]FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective illustrating a state of thestructure of FIGS. 26A-26C in the daylight flash mode;

[0075]FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective illustrating a state of thestructure of FIGS. 26A-26C in the night flash mode;

[0076] FIGS. 30A-30C are perspectives illustrating one preferredexternal operable button slidable vertically and horizontally;

[0077]FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective illustrating a photographicmode selection device with the button of FIGS. 30A-30C;

[0078] FIGS. 32A-32C are perspectives illustrating one preferredexternal operable button to which a lock mechanism is added;

[0079] FIGS. 33A-33C are perspectives illustrating one preferredexternal operable button with a slidable and depressible structure;

[0080] FIGS. 34A-34C are perspectiv s illustrating one preferredcombination of slidable buttons, one being movable within a rangelimited by the other;

[0081] FIGS. 35A-35C are perspectives illustrating one preferredcombination of buttons slidable vertically and horizontally;

[0082] FIGS. 36A-36C are perspectives illustrating one preferredcombination of buttons similar to FIGS. 35A-35C but where the second isslidable in the two directions;

[0083] FIGS. 37A-37C are perspectives illustrating one preferredcombination of buttons slidable in completely separate path gaps;

[0084]FIG. 38 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the daylight mode according to the structure of FIGS. 37A-37C;

[0085]FIG. 39 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the night flash mode according to the structure of FIGS. 37A-37C;

[0086] FIGS. 40A-40C are perspectives illustrating one preferredcombination of buttons slidable in parallel;

[0087] FIGS. 41A-41C are perspectives illustrating one preferredcombination of buttons, one sliding straight and the other moving with acurve;

[0088] FIGS. 42A-42C are perspectives illustrating one preferredcombination of buttons, one sliding straight and the other beingdepressible;

[0089]FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective illustrating one preferredembodiment of changing over the aperture stop and the shutter speed;

[0090]FIG. 44A is an explanatory view in el vation, illustrating a stateof the daylight flash mode of the structure of FIG. 43;

[0091]FIG. 44B is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof the night flash mode of the structure of FIG. 43;

[0092]FIG. 45 is a perspective illustrating a photographic modeselection device;

[0093]FIG. 46 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating thephotographic mode selection device in the daylight flash mode;

[0094]FIG. 47 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating thephotographic mode selection device in the night flash mode;

[0095]FIG. 48 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating anintermediate state of the mechanisms between the daylight flash mode andthe night flash mode;

[0096]FIG. 49 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating apressing cam;

[0097]FIG. 50 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating anotherpreferred pressing cam having a projection;

[0098]FIG. 51 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateof changeover from the daylight flash mode to the night flash mode;

[0099]FIG. 52 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a stateaccording to a comparable example for a daylight flash mode;

[0100]FIG. 53 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating a statesimilar to that of FIG. 51 but according to the example of FIG. 52;

[0101]FIG. 54 is a graph illustrating a relationship between a pressureangle of a shifting projection and a rotational angle of the button;

[0102]FIG. 55 is an explanatory view in elevation, illustrating anotherpreferred light reduction shifting projection;

[0103]FIG. 56 is a perspective illustrating another preferred externaloperable button with an inspection tool;

[0104]FIG. 57 is a perspective illustrating one preferred externaloperable button having a smooth surface;

[0105]FIG. 58 is a perspective illustrating one preferred externaloperable button having two cutouts; and

[0106]FIG. 59 is a perspective illustrating one preferred externaloperable button having small projections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENTINVENTION

[0107] In FIG. 1, a lens-fitted photo film unit 2 as a camera isdepicted. The lens-fitted photo film unit 2 includes a housing 3, aphoto film cassette, and a sticker belt 4. The housing 3 is providedwith various mechanisms for taking an exposure. The photo film cassetteis loaded in the housing 3 at the time of manufacture in the factory.The sticker belt 4 is attached to an outside of the housing 3. Openingsof various shapes are formed the sticker belt 4 for uncovering relevantportions of the sticker belt 4 for operation.

[0108] A front side of the housing 3 is provided with a taking lens 5, aviewfinder 6, a flash emitter 7 and a photographic mode selection device8. An upper side of the housing 3 is provided with a shutter releasebutton 9, a counter window 10 and a signaling opening 11. In a rear sideof the housing 3, a winder wheel 12 partially appears, and is used forrotation to wind an exposed portion of the photo film.

[0109] The photographic mode selection device 8 includes an externaloperable button 15 and a moving path gap 14. The external operablebutton 15 on the housing 3 has a shape formed by lengthening a circle ina vertical direction. The moving path gap 14 is formed in a front wallof the housing 3, and receives the external operable button 15 in amovable manner. The external operable button 15 is movable betweenfirst, second and third set positions. The first set position isdisposed the lowest in the moving path gap 14. The second set positionis illustrated in FIG. 2, and is higher than the first set position. Thethird set position is illustrated in FIG. 3, and is offset from thesecond set position rotationally in the clockwise direction.

[0110] When the external operable button 15 in the lens-fitted photofilm unit 2 is set in the first set position, a daylight mode or firstphotographic mode is designated, to turn off a flash device, with asmall aperture stop and with a high shutter speed. When the externaloperable button 15 is set in the second set position, a daylight flashmode or second photographic mode is designated, to turn on the flashdevice, with the small aperture stop and with the high shutter speed. Inthe daylight flash mode, a signaling light guide 17 projects from anupper face of the lens-fitted photo film unit 2. The signaling lightguide 17 optically guides light emitted by a light emitting elementdriven upon completion of charging the flash device, and informs thereadiness for an exposure on the outside of the housing 3.

[0111] When the external operable button 15 is in the third setposition, the night flash mode or third photographic mode is designated,to turn on the flash device, with the large aperture stop and with thelow shutter speed. There is a movable light reducing panel 19 in a flashamount adjustor as exposure amount changer. In the night flash mode, thelight reducing panel 19 is set in front of the flash emitter 7, toreduce an amount of flash light for the purpose of balancing lightamounts between a principal object and a background. A mode indicia disk20 is disposed in front of the viewfinder 6. When a user observes aphotographic field through the viewfinder 6, he or she views the modeindicia disk 20 and is informed of the night flash mode or thirdphotographic mode designated in the lens-fitted photo film unit 2.

[0112] In FIG. 4, a construction of the housing 3 is illustrated. Thehousing 3 includes a main body 23, a flash unit 24, a movable selector25, a front cover 26 and a rear cover 27. The main body 23 is loadedwith a photo film cassette 22 with photo film of 135 type. The flashunit 24 is secured to a front face of the main body 23. The movableselector 25 changes over the photographic modes. The front and rearcovers 26 and 27 are attached to respectively the front and rear of themain body 23.

[0113] The flash unit 24 is constituted by a printed circuit board 29and the flash emitter 7. The printed circuit board 29 includes circuitelements to operate as a flash circuit. The flash emitter 7 includes aflash discharge tube, a reflector, a diffusion plate and the like. Theprinted circuit board 29 is provided with a sync switch 30, a contactsegment 31 and an electrode segment 33. The sync switch 30 is turned onupon a releasing operation of the shutter device, for causing emissionof flash light. The contact segment 31 constitutes a flash chargerswitch turned on and off by movement of the external operable button 15of the photographic mode selection device 8. The electrode segment 33connects a battery 32 to the flash circuit.

[0114] A light-shielded tunnel 35 is included in the center of the mainbody 23. Various elements are assembled on the periphery of thelight-shielded tunnel 35, including a shutter charging mechanism ashutter releasing mechanism, a photo film winding mechanism, a photofilm retention mechanism, a frame counter mechanism, an aperture stopchanging mechanism, a shutter speed changing mechanism, a photographicoptical system and a viewfinder optical system.

[0115] In FIG. 5, the shutter releasing mechanism, the aperture stopchanging mechanism and the like are illustrated on the periphery of thelight-shielded tunnel 35. An exposure opening 37 is formed in the frontof the light-shielded tunnel 35. A pin 39 projects from a lateralportion of the light-shielded tunnel 35. A shutter blade 38 as a shuttermechanism is supported on the pin 39 in a pivotally movable manner.Also, a pin 41 is disposed under the pin 39. A tension coil spring 40has one end retained on the pin 41.

[0116] The shutter blade 38 in the shutter releasing mechanism includesa blade base portion 43, a blade portion 44 and an arm portion 45. Theblade base portion 43 has a hole 43 a for receiving insertion of the pin39. The blade portion 44 is disposed in front of the exposure opening37, and opens and shuts the exposure opening 37. The arm portion 45connects the blade base portion 43 with the blade portion 44. The bladebase portion 43 is provided with a pin 43 b, a projection 43 c and async projection 43 d. The pin 43 b is used for connection with a secondend of the tension coil spring 40. The projection 43 c is knocked by ashutter drive lever 47. The sync projection 43 d turns on and off thesync switch 30 in the flash unit 24. The shutter blade 38 is biased bythe tension coil spring 40, and is kept in a shut position to shut theexposure opening 37.

[0117] The shutter drive lever 47 is an element included in the shutterreleasing mechanism, and is caused by the shutter charging mechanism torotate to the charged position in the clockwise direction. In theshutter releasing operation, the shutter drive lever 47 rotates to thereleased position in the counterclockwise direction, and knocks theprojection 43 c of the shutter blade 38. The shutter blade 38responsively rotates to an open position in the clockwise directionagainst the bias of the tension coil spring 40. A lens holder 56 isprovided with a stopper pin 56 a as depicted in FIG. 9. The shutterblade 38 being rotated contacts the stopper pin 56 a, and then is causedby the tension coil spring 40 to return to the shut position.

[0118] The sync switch 30 includes an upper switch segment 30 a and alower switch segment 30 b. When the shutter blade 38 rotates toward theopen position, the sync projection 43 d presses the upper switch segment30 a, and causes the same to contact the lower switch segment 30 b. Whenthe sync switch 30 is turned on by the contact between the switchsegments 30 a and 30 b, the flash emitter 7 in the flash unit 24 iscaused to emit flash light.

[0119] A pin 50 projects from an upper portion of the lens holder 56. Ashutter speed changing lever 49 as a shutter speed changing mechanism issupported on the pin 50 in a rotatable manner. The shutter speedchanging lever 49 includes a boss 51, arms 52 and 53, and a pad 54. Theboss 51 has a hole through which the pin 50 is inserted. The arms 52 and53 project from the boss 51. The pad 54 is formed on the end of the arm52. The shutter speed changing lever 49 is rotated between high and lowshutter speed positions, and when in the high shutter speed position ofFIG. 6, sets the pad 54 under a free end of the lower switch segment 30b of the sync switch 30, and when in the low shutter speed position ofFIG. 7, sets the pad 54 away from the underside of the lower switchsegment 30 b.

[0120] In FIG. 8, the shutter device is released while the pad 54 of theshutter speed changing lever 49 is in the high shutter speed position.The upper switch segment 30 a of the sync switch 30 pushed by the syncprojection 43 d of the shutter blade 38 contacts the lower switchsegment 30 b, to emit flash light. As the lower switch segment 30 bcontacts the pad 54, rotation of the shutter blade 38 is blocked in thecourse of rotation toward the open position. Therefore, the shutterblade 38 swings back to the shut position in a short time. This makesthe shutter speed high. An example of the high shutter speed assigned tothe high shutter speed position of the shutter speed changing lever 49is {fraction (1/110)} or {fraction (1/120)} second.

[0121] In contrast, if the pad 54 of the shutter speed changing lever 49is in the low shutter speed position of FIG. 9, a rotational movingamount of the shutter blade 38 toward the open position is larger. Thisis because the lower switch segment 30 b with resiliency can be deformedto a higher extent. Time required for the return of the shutter blade 38to the shut position is longer, to lower the shutter speed. An exampleof the low shutter speed defined by the low shutter speed position ofthe pad 54 is {fraction (1/45)} second.

[0122] The lens holder 56 of a plate shape is secured to the front sideof the light-shielded tunnel 35. A lens barrel 57 is formed on thecenter of the lens holder 56. A photographing opening 58 is formed inthe lens barrel 57. A cutout 59 is formed in a lateral wall of the lensbarrel 57. A first lens element 60 and a second lens element 61 arecontained in the lens barrel 57, and constitute the taking lens 5. Anaperture stop mechanism as exposure amount changer is incorporatedbetween the first and second lens elements 60 and 61, including a fixedaperture stop panel 62, a small aperture stop plate 63 and a spacer 64.The fixed aperture stop panel 62 is circular and has a small thickness.A large aperture stop opening 62 a is formed in the center of the fixedaperture stop panel 62.

[0123] A lens retention plate 65 is fixedly secured to the front of thelens holder 56, and retains the taking lens 5 and other relevantelements in the lens barrel 57. Also, an intermediate ring 68 mounted onthe periphery of the lens barrel 57 is retained by the lens retentionplate 65.

[0124] The small aperture stop plate 63 is a V-shaped plate with a smallthickness. A plate portion 63 a at an end of the small aperture stopplate 63 has a size to close the large aperture stop opening 62 a. Asmall aperture stop opening 63 b is formed in the plate portion 63 a.There are a hole 63 c and a groove 63 d formed in a second end portionof the small aperture stop plate 63. A pin 66 projects from the vicinityof the lens barrel 57 in the lens holder 56, is inserted in the hole 63c and keeps the small aperture stop plate 63 movable pivotally. Thesmall aperture stop plate 63 passes the cutout 59 to move the plateportion 63 a into and away from the lens barrel 57. The small aperturestop plate 63 swings between first and second positions, and when in thefirst position, opens the large aperture stop opening 62 a fully, andwhen in th second position, partially blocks the large aperture stopopening 62 a to stop down the aperture.

[0125] The intermediate ring 68 is supported on the lens barrel 57 in arotatable manner. The intermediate ring 68 includes a spring connectionpin 68 a, a linking pin 68 b, squeezing pins 68 c and a receiving pin 68d. The spring connection pin 68 a is used to retention of one end of atension coil spring 70. The linking pin 68 b is inserted in the groove63 d of the small aperture stop plate 63. The squeezing pins 68 c are sodisposed that the arm 53 of the shutter speed changing lever 49 isdisposed between those two. The receiving pin 68 d projects toward therear, and is pressed mechanically by the photographic mode selectiondevice.

[0126] A pin 71 projects from a lower portion of the lens holder 56, andused to retain a second end of the tension coil spring 70, which biasesthe intermediate ring 68 in the clockwise direction. Note that theintermediate ring 68 is kept in a predetermined position in connectionwith the small aperture stop plate 63.

[0127] A transmission plate 74 in a second guide mechanism is formed asone piece including the external operable button 15. A shifting lever 75projects from the transmission plate 74 in a horizontal direction. Whenthe external operable button 15 rotationally shifts from the second setposition to the third set position, the shifting lever 75 of thetransmission plate 74 pushes up the receiving pin 68 d of theintermediate ring 68. Therefore, the intermediate ring 68 rotates in thecounterclockwise direction.

[0128] In FIGS. 10 and 11, states of the intermediate ring 68 in thedaylight and daylight flash modes are illustrated. When the externaloperable button 15 is in each of the first and second set positions, theshifting lever 75 of the external operable button 15 does not contactthe receiving pin 68 d of the intermediate ring 68. Thus, theintermediate ring 68 is maintained in the initial position.

[0129] When the intermediate ring 68 is in the initial position, thesmall aperture stop plate 63 is set in the small aperture stop positionwhere the plate portion 63 a is inserted in the lens barrel 57. Thesmall aperture stop opening 63 b stops down the large aperture stopopening 62 a to determine the small aperture stop state. An example ofthe f-number at the time of the small aperture stop state is f/14. Notethat the squeezing pins 68 c keep the shutter speed changing lever 49 inthe high shutter speed position.

[0130] In FIG. 12, the external operable button 15 rotates from thesecond set position to the third set position. The shifting lever 75pushes up the receiving pin 68 d, and causes the intermediate ring 68 torotate in the counterclockwise direction. In response, the smallaperture stop plate 63 pressed by the linking pin 68 b rotates in theclockwise direction. The plate portion 63 a moves to an ineffectiveposition for the large aperture stop, and away from the optical axis. Anexample of f-number at the large aperture stop is f/5.6. Also, thesqueezing pins 68 c cause the shutter speed changing lever 49 to rotate.The pad 54 is set in the low shutter speed position.

[0131] In FIG. 13, the construction of the movable selector 25 isillustrated. The movable selector 25 includes the external operablebutton 15, a guide bearing plate 77, a guide sliding plate 78, a guidereceiving plate 79, a light reduction transmission lever 80, anindication lever 81, and a flash amount adjustor 87. Each of the guidebearing plate 77, the guide sliding plate 78 and the guide receivingplate 79 operates as guide mechanisms. The flash amount adjustor 87operates as an exposure amount changer.

[0132] In FIG. 14, a projection portion 83 is formed with a front of theexternal operable button 15 nearly in a conical shape, and used forensured touch of a finger with a good fitted state. A surface of theprojection portion 83 is step-shaped for frictional contact of thefinger. Also, a hole 83 a is formed in the projection portion 83 forinsertion of an inspection tool 85 of an inspection machine. Thephotographic mode selection device is inspected after completing thelens-fitted photo film unit 2. The inspection tool 85 is inserted in thehole 83 a, and moved vertically and also rotated, to check operation ofthe movable selector 25.

[0133] The rear of the transmission plate 74 of the external operablebutton 15 is provided with a rotational hub ring 74 a, sliding pins 74 band 74 c, an engageable pin 74 d, a guide pin 74 e, and a lightreduction shifting projection 74 f. The sliding pins 74 b and 74 c slidethe guide sliding plate 78. The engageable pin 74 d operates forengagement in a clicked state in rotation of the external operablebutton 15. The guide pin 74 e guides movement of the external operablebutton 15. The light reduction shifting projection 74 f swings the lightreduction transmission lever 80. The sliding pins 74 b and 74 c aredisposed in the rotational hub ring 74 a.

[0134] The guide bearing plate 77 includes a guide bearing opening 77 aand openings 77 b, 77 c and 77 d. The guide bearing opening 77 areceives insertion of the rotational hub ring 74 a of the externaloperable button 15. The openings 77 b, 77 c and 77 d receive insertionof respectively the engageable pin 74 d, the guide pin 74 e and thelight reduction shifting projection 74 f. A projection 77 e is formed toproject from an edge of the opening 77 c, and frictionally contacts theengageable pin 74 d when the external operable button 15 is in the thirdset position for engagement with a clicked state.

[0135] The guide bearing plate 77 is slid up and down by movement of theexternal operable button 15 between the first and second set positions.When the external operable button 15 rotates between the second andthird set positions, the guide bearing plate 77 does not move. Theexternal operable button 15 is rotationally supported at the centerdefined by the guide bearing opening 77 a.

[0136] A projection 77 f is formed to project from a lateral edge of theguide bearing plate 77. A retention ridge 88 projects from an inner faceof the front cover 26. The projection 77 f, when the external operablebutton 15 moves between the first and second set positions, is engagedwith the retention ridge 88 in a clicked state. Slots are formed in thevicinity of the projections 77 e and 77 f. Base portions of theprojections 77 e and 77 f are resiliently flexed because of the slotswhen the engageable pin 74 d moves past the projection 77 e and when theretention ridge 88 moves past the projection 77 f.

[0137] The rear of the guide bearing plate 77 is provided with a slidingpin 77 g and a pressure projection 77 h. The sliding pin 77 g slides theguide sliding plate 78. The pressure projection 77 h depresses thecontact segment 31 or charger switch of the printed circuit board 29 inthe flash unit 24, and charges the flash device.

[0138] An engagement fork 78 a projects from the guide sliding plate 78,and engageable with a pin 17 a formed with the signaling light guide 17.The guide sliding plate 78 includes openings 78 b, 78 c and 78 d, guideslots 78 e and 78 f and an opening 78 g. The openings 78 b and 78 creceive insertion of respectively the sliding pins 74 b and 74 c of theexternal operable button 15. The opening 78 d receives insertion of thesliding pin 77 g of the guide bearing plate 77. The guide slot 78 ereceives insertion of a guide projection 79 a and a retention ridge 79 bof the guide receiving plate 79. The guide slot 78 f receives insertionof a guide projection 79 c. The opening 78 g receives insertion of thepressure projection 77 h of the guide bearing plate 77. A projection 78h is formed to project from an edge of the guide slot 78 e, andengageable with the retention ridge 79 b of the guide receiving plate79.

[0139] When the external operable button 15 shifts between the first andsecond set positions, the guide sliding plate 78 is slid up and down bythe sliding pin 74 b of the external operable button 15 and the slidingpin 77 g of the guide bearing plate 77. When the external operablebutton 15 rotationally shifts between the second and third setpositions, the sliding pin 74 c presses the guide sliding plate 78 toslide the guide sliding plate 78 to a larger extent, the sliding pin 74c being disposed at a greater radius with reference to the rotationalcenter of the external operable button 15.

[0140] The guide receiving plate 79 has the guide pins 79 a and 79 c andthe retention ridge 79 b. Also, the guide receiving plate 79 includespins 79 d and 79 e, a regulation ridge 79 f, a regulation pin 79 g andan opening 79 h. The pin 79 d supports the light reduction transmissionlever 80 in a rotatable manner. The pin 79 e supports the indicationlever 81 in a rotatable manner. The regulation ridge 79 f contacts theguide pin 74 e of the external operable button 15. The regulation pin 79g contacts the guide pin 74 e. The opening 79 h receives insertion ofthe pressure projection 77 h of the guide bearing plate 77. The opening79 h is opposed to the contact segment 31 of a charger switch of theflash unit 24.

[0141] The guide receiving plate 79 is secured to the front of theprinted circuit board 29 of the flash unit 24. The guide pins 79 a and79 c and the retention ridge 79 b guides the guide sliding plate 78, theguide bearing plate 77 and the external operable button 15. Theregulation ridge 79 f of the guide receiving plate 79 contacts the guidepin 74 e of the external operable button 15, prevents the externaloperable button 15 in the first set position from rotating, and preventsthe external operable button 15 in the third set position from slidingdown. The regulation pin 79 g of the guide receiving plate 79 contactsthe guide pin 74 e when the external operable button 15 is in the secondset position, and blocks accidental rotation of the external operablebutton 15 to the third set position even upon occurrence of mechanicalshock or vibration.

[0142] The light reduction transmission lever 80 includes a boss 80 a, ashifting projection 80 b, a linking hole 80 c and a linking pin 80 d.The boss 80 a has a hole in which the pin 79 d of the guide receivingplate 79 is inserted. The shifting projection 80 b is pushed upwards bythe light reduction shifting projection 74 f of the external operablebutton 15. The linking hole 80 c receives insertion of a linking pin 81a of the indication lever 81. The linking pin 80 d is linked with theflash amount adjustor 87.

[0143] A slot 87 a is formed in the flash amount adjustor 87 under thelight reducing panel 19, and extends vertically. A slot 87 b is formedin the flash amount adjustor 87, and extends horizontally. Two pins 26 aand 26 b project from the inner face of the front cover 26 and under theflash emitter, and are inserted in the slot 87 a. See FIG. 18.Therefore, the flash amount adjustor 87 is slidable up and down on thefront cover 26. Note that the linking pin 80 d of the light reductiontransmission lever 80 is inserted in the slot 87 b.

[0144] The indication lever 81 includes a boss 81 b, the mode indiciadisk 20 and the linking pin 81 a. The boss 81 b has a hole in which thepin 79 e of the guide receiving plate 79 is inserted. The mode indiciadisk 20 is movable toward and away from the front of the viewfinder 6.The linking pin 81 a is inserted in the linking hole 80 c of the lightreduction transmission lever 80. When the light reduction transmissionlever 80 is moved up by means of the external operable button 15 to setthe light reducing panel 19 in front of the flash emitter 7, the linkingpin 81 a of the indication lever 81 is pushed to rotate by an edge ofthe linking hole 80 c of the light reduction transmission lever 80.Therefore, the mode indicia disk 20 is set in front of the viewfinder 6.

[0145] In FIGS. 15-17, states of the external operable button 15, theguide bearing plate 77, the guid sliding plate 78, the signaling lightguide 17 and the guide receiving plate 79 are illustrated for the first,second and third photographic modes. It is to be noted that, in thosedrawings, signs are used in a simplified form for the purpose ofclarification. In the external operable button 15, the contour of therotational hub ring 74 a of the transmission plate 74, the pins 74 b-74e and the light reduction shifting projection 74 f are indicated by thephantom lines. Portions for the pins 74 b-74 e and the light reductionshifting projection 74 f are hatched. In the guide bearing plate 77, itscontour, the openings 77 a-77 d, the sliding pin 77 g and the pressureprojection 77 h are indicated by the broken lines. Portions for thesliding pin 77 g and the pressure projection 77 h are hatched. In theguide sliding plate 78, its contour and the openings 78 b-78 g areindicated by the solid lines. In the guide receiving plate 79, itscontour, the guide pins 79 a and 79 c, the retention ridge 79 b, theregulation ridge 79 f and the regulation pin 79 g are indicted by thesolid lines.

[0146] In FIG. 15, the movable selector 25 in the daylight mode has theexternal operable button 15 set in the first set position. The guidebearing plate 77 and the guide sliding plate 78 are in their lowestpositions in movable ranges. The projection 77 f of the guide bearingplate 77 is engaged with the retention ridge 88 of the front cover 26.The projection 78 h of the guide sliding plate 78 is engaged with theretention ridge 79 b of the guide receiving plate 79. This prevents theexternal operable button 15 from accidentally sliding toward the secondset position. As the guide pin 74 e of the external operable button 15contacts a lateral edge of the regulation ridge 79 f of the guidereceiving plate 79, the external operable button 15 does not rotate fromthe first set position.

[0147] At the time of the daylight mode or first photographic mode, thesignaling light guide 17 does not protrude from the upper face of thehousing 3. In FIG. 18, the light reduction shifting projection 74 f ofthe external operable button 15 does not contact the shifting projection80 b of the light reduction transmission lever 80. The light reducingpanel 19 is not located in front of the flash emitter 7. The modeindicia disk 20 of the indication lever 81 does not appear in front ofthe viewfinder 6, either.

[0148] In FIG. 16, the external operable button 15 slides from the firstset position to the second set position. The guide bearing plate 77slides up together, as the guide bearing opening 77 a is engaged withthe rotational hub ring 74 a. The pressure projection 77 h of the guidebearing plate 77 pushes the contact segment 31 in the charger switch inthe flash unit 24, to start charging the flash device. Also, the guidesliding plate 78 is pushed by the sliding pin 74 b of the externaloperable button 15 and the sliding pin 77 g of the guide bearing plate77, and is slid up. The slide of the guide sliding plate 78 moves up thesignaling light guide 17, and causes the signaling light guide 17 toproject from an upper face of the housing 3.

[0149] The light reduction shifting projection 74 f of the externaloperable button 15, as depicted in FIG. 19, does not contact theshifting projection 80 b of the light reduction transmission lever 80even in the daylight flash mode or second photographic mode. The lightreducing panel 19 and the mode indicia disk 20 do not become externallyvisible in the front of the lens-fitted photo film unit 2.

[0150] Even if shock or vibration occurs to the external operable button15, the external operable button 15 does not slide to the first setposition, because the projection 77 f of the guide bearing plate 77 isengaged with the retention ridge 88 of the front cover 26, and becausethe projection 78 h of the guide sliding plate 78 is engaged with theretention ridge 79 b of the guide receiving plate 79. The externaloperable button 15 does not rotate to the third set position either,because the guide pin 74 e of the external operable button 15 contactsthe regulation pin 79 g of the guide receiving plate 79.

[0151] In FIG. 17, the shift of the external operable button 15 from thesecond set position to the third set position is illustrated. Theexternal operable button 15 rotates in the clockwise direction about therotational hub ring 74 a that is supported in the guide bearing opening77 a in a rotatable manner. The sliding pin 74 c presses an edge of theopening 78 c of the guide sliding plate 78, to move up the guide slidingplate 78 higher than a level at the time of the daylight flash mode orsecond photographic mode. Consequently, an amount of protrusion of thesignaling light guide 17 over the upper face of the housing 3 becomesgreater. Note that the guide bearing plate 77 does not move between thesecond and third photographic modes. The charger switch in the flashunit 24 is kept turned on.

[0152] In FIG. 20, the external operable button 15 in the third setposition causes the light reduction shifting projection 74 f to push upthe shifting projection 80 b of the light reduction transmission lever80. The light reduction transmission lever 80 rotates in thecounterclockwise direction about the boss 80 a. The linking pin 80 d ofthe light reduction transmission lever 80 shifts up the flash amountadjustor 87. The light reducing panel 19 of the flash amount adjustor 87is set in front of the flash emitter 7. As the linking pin 81 a of theindication lever 81 is pushed by the edge of the linking hole 80 c ofthe light reduction transmission lever 80, the indication lever 81rotates in the clockwise direction to set the mode indicia disk 20 infront of the viewfinder 6.

[0153] Note that the guide sliding plate 78 does not slide down even ifmechanical shock or vibration occurs, because the projection 77 f of theguide bearing plate 77 is engaged with the retention ridge 88 of thefront cover 26, and because the guide pin 74 e of the external operablebutton 15 contacts an upper portion of the regulation ridge 79 f of theguide receiving plate 79. Furthermore, occurrence of shock or vibrationdoes not rotate the external operable button 15 to the second setposition, because the engageable pin 74 d of the external operablebutton 15 is engaged with the projection 77 e of the guide bearing plate77.

[0154] The operation of the above construction is described now. In FIG.1, the lens-fitted photo film unit 2, when in the daylight mode, has thephotographic mode selection device 8 of which the external operablebutton 15 is set in the first set position that is located the lowest inthe moving path gap 14.

[0155] In the daylight mode, the intermediate ring 68 is biased by thetension coil spring 70 and set in the initial position. See FIG. 10. Atthis time, the small aperture stop plate 63 is set in the small aperturestop position. The shutter speed changing lever 49 is set in the highshutter speed position as depicted in FIG. 6.

[0156] In FIG. 15, the transmission plate 74, the guide bearing plate 77and the guide sliding plate 78 are in their lower positions in thdaylight mode. The contact segment 31 in the charger of the flash unit24 is not depressed. There is no protrusion of the signaling light guide17 over the upper face of the housing 3.

[0157] In FIG. 18, the light reduction shifting projection 74 f of thetransmission plate 74 in the daylight mode does not contact the shiftingprojection 80 b of the light reduction transmission lever 80. The lightreducing panel 19 and the mode indicia disk 20 do not appear visibly inthe front of the lens-fitted photo film unit 2.

[0158] When an exposure is taken in the daylight mode, no flash light isemitted. The aperture stop is set in the small aperture stop state. InFIG. 8, the shutter speed changing lever 49 reduces the range ofrotation of the shutter blade 38, to set the shutter speed high. Thus,it is possible to take an exposure optimized for an outdoor scene withhigh brightness under daylight.

[0159] In FIG. 2, the external operable button 15 of the photographicmode selection device 8 is slid to the second set position in an upperportion of the moving path gap 14. The lens-fitted photo film unit 2 isset in the daylight flash mode.

[0160] In the daylight flash mode, the intermediate ring 68 is alsomaintained in the initial position. See FIG. 11. The aperture stop isset in the small aperture stop state. The shutter speed is high. Theseare the same as in the daylight mode.

[0161] In FIG. 16, the transmission plate 74, the guide bearing plate 77and the guide sliding plate 78 are slid up in the daylight flash mode.The contact segment 31 in the charger switch of the flash unit 24 isdepressed and turned on by the pressure projection 77 h of the guidebearing plate 77. Thus, the flash unit 24 is charged.

[0162] The guide sliding plate 78 pushes up the signaling light guide 17in a projecting state over the upper face of the housing 3. Aftercompletion of the charging, the light emitting element in the flash unit24 is turned on continuously or in a blinking state. Light from thelight emitting element is introduced into the signaling light guide 17,and emanated by the signaling light guide 17 to the outside of thehousing 3.

[0163] In FIG. 19, the light reduction shifting projection 74 f of thetransmission plate 74 does not contact the shifting projection 80 b ofthe light reduction transmission lever 80 either in the daylight flashmode. The externally invisible state of the light reducing panel 19 andthe mode indicia disk 20 is maintained.

[0164] At the time of an exposure in the daylight flash mode, flashlight is emitted. Because of the small aperture stop and the highshutter speed, an exposure can be taken in an optimized condition forsync exposure in an outdoor scene with high brightness.

[0165] In FIG. 3, the external operable button 15 of the photographicmode selection device 8 is rotationally shifted from the second setposition to the third set position. The lens-fitted photo film unit 2 isset in the night flash mode.

[0166] In the night flash mode, the shifting lever 75 in thetransmission plate 74 pushes up the receiving pin 68 d of theintermediate ring 68. See FIG. 12. The intermediate ring 68 rotates fromthe initial position in the counterclockwise direction against thetension coil spring 70. Rotation of the intermediate ring 68 causes thesmall aperture stop plate 63 to rotate to the large aperture stopposition, to render the large aperture stop opening 62 a effective onthe optical axis for an exposure. In FIG. 7, the shutter speed changinglever 49 is set in the low shutter speed position.

[0167] In FIG. 17, the transmission plate 74 is rotated together withthe movable selector 25 in the night flash mode. The guide sliding plate78 is slid further in the upward direction than the daylight flash mode.The signaling light guide 17 slightly moves up, and still operates forindicating the completion of the flash charging operation. Note that theguide bearing plate 77 is kept positioned in the same manner as thedaylight flash mode. The charger switch of the flash unit 24 is keptturned on.

[0168] In the night flash mode, the light reduction shifting projection74 f of the transmission plate 74 pushes the shifting projection 80 b.See FIG. 20. The light reduction transmission lever 80 rotates in thecounterclockwise direction, to set the light reducing panel 19 in frontof the flash emitter 7. According to rotation of the light reductiontransmission lever 80, the indication lever 81 rotates, to set the modeindicia disk 20 in front of the viewfinder 6. A user to take aphotograph can observe a scene through the viewfinder 6, and can beinformed of the night flash mode.

[0169] Flash light is emitted in taking an exposure in the night flashmode. However, an amount of the flash light is reduced by the lightreducing panel 19 partially masking the flash emitter. Ambient light ofa background around a principal object is received at a higher amountbecause of the large aperture stop state and the low shutter speed.Consequently, no overexposure occurs even at night or indoors. Theprincipal object and the background can be photographed in awell-balanced condition.

[0170] If a user is not very familiar with the differences between thephotographic modes, it is likely that he or she commits an error inexactly designating one mode. However, the lens-fitted photo film unit 2of the invention is constructed so that the probability of designatingthe daylight flash mode is high if an error is likely to occur in thedesignation. This is because the daylight flash mode is assigned to theintermediate position or second set position among the three setpositions.

[0171] One of the daylight mode and the daylight flash mode is selectedby the vertical sliding operation. Only the night flash mode isdesignated by the rotating operation. This is effective in givingimpression to a user as to the night flash mode as a special mode. It ispossible to raise a ratio of opportunity of selecting the daylight flashmode over the night flash mode.

[0172] No overexposure occurs in the daylight flash mode even for anoutdoor scene under daylight, a night scene or an indoor scene. Thus, noextraordinary error occurs even if a user is uncertain about exactdesignation of the modes.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the rotational movement for selection ofthe second and third photographic modes is distinct from the slidingmovement for selection of the first and second photographic modes.However, it is possible to use a simplified construction of FIGS.21A-21C. An external operable button 90 in a movable selector is movablein a moving path gap 91 between first, second and third set positions todesignate one of the daylight mode, the daylight flash mode and thenight flash mode.

[0174] In FIG. 22, details of the preferr d embodiment are illustratedin which the external operable button is vertically slid between thefirst, second and third set positions. Elements similar to those in theabove embodiment are designated with identical reference numerals.

[0175] A lens holder 93 has a lens barrel 94, in which a first lenselement 95 and a second lens element 96 are contained. Elements aredisposed between the first and second lens elements 95 and 96, includinga fixed aperture stop panel 97, a small aperture stop plate 98 and aspacer 99. The fixed aperture stop panel 97 has a large aperture stopopening 97 a. A cutout 94 a is formed in a lateral wall of the lensbarrel 94, and receives passage of the small aperture stop plate 98.

[0176] The small aperture stop plate 98 has a V-shape. A small aperturestop opening 98 a is formed in one end portion of the small aperturestop plate 98. A pin 100 projects from the vicinity of the lens barrel94 of the lens holder 93, and supports the small aperture stop plate 98in a rotatable manner. The small aperture stop plate 98, when in theposition of FIGS. 23 and 24, sets the small aperture stop opening 98 aon the optical axis, and when in the position of FIG. 25, sets the smallaperture stop opening 98 a away from the optical axis.

[0177] A torsion coil spring 101 is retained on the pin 100, and biasesthe small aperture stop plate 98 in a direction to insert the smallaperture stop opening 98 a in the optical axis. A linking arm 98 b isformed on a second end of the small aperture stop plate 98, and extendshorizontally.

[0178] A pin 105 projects from an upper face of a light-shielded tunnel103. A shutter speed changing lever 104 is supported by the pin 105 in arotatable manner. The shutter speed changing lever 104 includes a boss106, arms 107 and 108 and a pad 109. The boss 106 is supported by thepin 105. The arms 107 and 108 project from the boss 106. The pad 109 isformed with an end of the arm 107.

[0179] The flash device includes a sync switch 110. The shutter speedchanging lever 104 is movable between high and low shutter speedpositions, and when in the high shutter speed position, sets the pad 109under the sync switch 110 as depicted in FIGS. 23 and 24, and when inthe low shutter speed position, sets the pad 109 away from under thesync switch 110 as depicted in FIG. 25. A torsion coil spring 111 biasesthe shutter speed changing lever 104. The high shutter speed position isan initial position of the shutter speed changing lever 104 because ofthe torsion coil spring 111 and the contact with a positioning pin 112.

[0180] A shifting lever 114 is provided with a hub ring portion 114 a,which is supported by the outside of the lens barrel 94 in a rotatablemanner. An end portion of the shifting lever 114 is bent in an L-shape.A pin 114 b projects from the end portion of the shifting lever 114. Alight reducing panel 115 in a flash amount adjustor is secured to thepin 114 b. The light reducing panel 115 is guided in a verticallyslidable manner on the inner face of the front cover. When the shiftinglever 114 rotates about the center of the hub ring portion 114 a, thelight reducing panel 115 is set in front of and away from a flashemitter 116. See FIGS. 23-25.

[0181] A linking pin 118 proj cts from a middle portion of the shiftinglever 114 toward the rear. When the shifting lever 114 rotates, thelinking pin 118 pushes and rotates the linking arm 98 b of the smallaperture stop plate 98. Also, an inclined face 118 a is formed on an endof the linking pin 118 for rotating the shutter speed changing lever 104against the spring bias when in contact with the arm 108 of the shutterspeed changing lever 104.

[0182] A first slidable member 120 is disposed on the inside of thefront cover at the moving path gap 91, and is connected with theexternal operable button 90 through a slot in the moving path gap 91.The first slidable member 120 includes a connection projection 120 a, apin 120 b and a resilient fork 120 c. The connection projection 120 a isfixedly secured to the rear of the external operable button 90. The pin120 b is inserted in a slot 114 c formed in an end portion of theshifting lever 114. The resilient fork 120 c includes two projectionsdirected downwards. Claws 120 d project from ends of the resilient fork120 c.

[0183] A second slidable member or flash charger 122 is nipped by theresilient fork 120 c of the first slidable member 120, and slid togetherwith the first slidable member 120. Connection notches 122 a are formedin lateral portions of the flash charger 122, for engagement with theclaws 120 d of the resilient fork 120 c. The flash charger 122 includesa pressure pin 122 b and a connection portion 122 c. The pressure pin122 b pushes a contact segment 124 of the charger switch of the flashdevice. The connection portion 122 c contacts a stopper projection 125in a plate shape disposed on the flash device.

[0184] In FIG. 23, the external operable button 90 is set in the firstset position. The first slidable member 120 connected with the externaloperable button 90 is in the lowest position in its sliding range. Thepressure pin 122 b of the flash charger 122 does not push the contactsegment 124. No charging occurs in the flash unit.

[0185] As the shifting lever 114 has been rotated in the clockwisedirection by the first slidable member 120, the light reducing panel 115is located under the flash emitter 116. The linking pin 118 of theshifting lever 114 is located in its lowest position in the movablerange, and thus does not contact the small aperture stop plate 98 or theshutter speed changing lever 104. The lens-fitted photo film unit is setin the daylight mode or first photographic mode in the state withoutemission of flash light, with the small aperture stop and with the highshutter speed.

[0186] In FIG. 24, the external operable button 90 is set in the secondset position. In response, the first slidable member 120 and the flashcharger 122 are slid up. The pressure pin 122 b of the flash charger 122presses the contact segment 124, to start charging in the flash unit.

[0187] When the shifting lever 114 is rotated in the counterclockwisedirection by the upward slide of the first slidable member 120. However,the light reducing panel 115 is not set in front of the flash emitter116. The linking pin 118 does not contact the small aperture stop plate98 or the shutter speed changing lever 104. Thus, the lens-fitted photofilm unit is set in the daylight flash mode or second photographic modein the state with emission of flash light, with the small aperture stopand with the high shutter speed.

[0188] In FIG. 25, the external operable button 90 is set in the thirdset position. In response, the first slidable member 120 and the flashcharger 122 are slid up. However, the flash charger 122 is stopped inthe position for the daylight flash mode, because the connection portion122 c is blocked by the stopper projection 125. The first slidablemember 120 is disengaged from the flash charger 122, and slides upseparately. The flash charger 122 keeps pressing the contact segment124.

[0189] The shifting lever 114 is rotated in the counterclockwisedirection by the upward slide of the first slidable member 120. Inresponse, the light reducing panel 115 is set in front of the flashemitter 116. The linking pin 118 pushes the linking arm 98 b of thesmall aperture stop plate 98, and sets the small aperture stop plate 98away from the optical axis. The inclined face 118 a of the linking pin118 contacts the arm 108 of the shutter speed changing lever 104, androtates the shutter speed changing lever 104 to the low shutter speedposition. Thus, the lens-fitted photo film unit is set in the nightflash mode or third photographic mode in the state with emission ofreduced flash light, with the large aperture stop and with the lowshutter speed.

[0190] It follows in the present embodiment that occurrence of anoverexposed state can be prevented, because an unfamiliar user can becaused to designate the daylight flash mode to which the intermediateposition is assigned in the moving path of the external operable button90.

[0191] In FIGS. 26A-26C, another preferred embodiment is illustrated. Anexternal operable button 130 in a movable selector is verticallyslidable in a moving path gap 131 between the first and second setpositions. When in the second set position, the external operable button130 is pulled toward the front and can be set in the third set position.

[0192] In FIG. 27, a preferred embodiment is illustrated, in which theexternal operable button 130 is pulled out for designating the nightflash mode or third photographic mode. Elements similar to those in theabove embodiment are designated with identical reference numerals.

[0193] The external operable button 130 has a plate shape, and includesrotational pins 130 a and a shifting arm 130 b. The rotational pins 130a project from lateral faces of the external operable button 130. Theshifting arm 130 b extends from an upper plate edge of the externaloperable button 130. A guide slider plate 132 includes a pair ofrotational support portions 132 a, which support the rotational pins 130a in a rotatable manner.

[0194] The guide slider plate 132 is slidable in a range to move theexternal operable button 130 inside the moving path gap 131. There is apressing projection (not shown) formed to project from the rear of theguide slider plate 132, for turning on the charger switch of the flashunit when moved upwards.

[0195] A small aperture stop plate 134 has a small aperture stop opening134 a, which operates when on the optical axis. The small aperture stopplate 134 has substantially a crank shape. A pin 135 projects from thelens holder, and supports the small aperture stop plate 134. The smallaperture stop plate 134 is rotatable between first and second position,and when in the first position, sets the small aperture stop opening 134a on the optical axis, and when in the second position, sets the smallaperture stop opening 134 a away from the optical axis.

[0196] A spring (not shown) biases the small aperture stop plate 134 ina direction to set the small aperture stop opening 134 a on the opticalaxis. A linking arm 134 b is disposed at a second end of the smallaperture stop plate 134, and protrudes in a vertical direction. Atransmission pin 134 c projects from the linking arm 134 b toward thefront.

[0197] A sync switch 137 is included in the flash device. A shutterspeed changing lever 138 is disposed near to the sync switch 137 in arotatable manner. The shutter speed changing lever 138 includes a boss138 a, arms 138 b and 138 c, and a pad 138 d. The arms 138 b and 138 cproject from the boss 138 a. The pad 138 d is formed at the end of thearm 138 b. The shutter speed changing lever 138 is rotatable between thehigh and low shutter speed positions, and when in the high shutter speedposition, sets the pad 138 d under the sync switch 137, and when in thelow shutter speed position, sets the pad 138 d away from under the syncswitch 137.

[0198] A torsion coil spring 140 biases the shutter speed changing lever138 toward the low shutter speed position. However, a regulation lever141 is engaged with the arm 138 c to set the shutter speed changinglever 138 in the high shutter speed position. There is an inclined faceat an end of the regulation lever 141, for facilitating retention of thearm 138 c at the time of rotating the shutter speed changing lever 138to the high shutter speed position from the low shutter speed position.

[0199] A light reduction transmission lever 143 has one end from whichthe regulation lever 141 projects in the L-shape. The end of the lightreduction transmission lever 143 is placed on the transmission pin 134 cof the small aperture stop plate 134. When th external operable button130 is pulled up, the shifting arm 130 b of the external operable button130 pushes down the end of the light reduction transmission lever 143,and rotates the light reduction transmission lever 143 and the smallaperture stop plate 134.

[0200] A pivot 145 projecting from the lens-fitted photo film unit keepsthe light reduction transmission lever 143 rotatable. A light reducingpanel 146 in a flash amount adjustor is attached to a second end of thelight reduction transmission lever 143. The light reducing panel 146 iskept slidable up and down on the inner surface of the front cover. Thereis a flash emitter 147. The light reducing panel 146 is set into andaway from the space in front of the flash emitter 147 by rotation of thelight reduction transmission lever 143.

[0201] In FIG. 27, the state of the external operable button 130 set inthe first set position is depicted. A pressure projection on the rear ofthe guide slider plate 132 does not depress the charger switch of theflash device. The small aperture stop plate 134 is positioned to set thesmall aperture stop opening 134 a on the optical axis by the bias of aspring. The light reduction transmission lever 143 does not rotate. Thelight reducing panel 146 is disposed under the flash emitter 147.

[0202] The regulation lever 141 of the light reduction transmissionlever 143 sets the shutter speed changing lever 138 in the high shutterspeed position against the torsion coil spring 140. Therefore, thelens-fitted photo film unit is set in the daylight mode or firstphotographic mode with no emission of flash light, in the small aperturestop state, and with the high shutter speed.

[0203] In FIG. 28, setting of the external operable button 130 in thesecond set position is depicted. The guide slider plate 132 is slid upin response to this. The pressure projection of the guide slider plate132 depresses the charger switch, to start charging the flash device.

[0204] Even if the external operable button 130 is slid up, there is nomovement of the small aperture stop plate 134 or the light reductiontransmission lever 143. Thus, the lens-fitted photo film unit is set inthe daylight flash mode or second photographic mode with emission offlash light, in the small aperture stop state, and with the high shutterspeed.

[0205] In FIG. 29, the external operable button 130 is pulled up towardthe front. The shifting arm 130 b pushes down the transmission end ofthe light reduction transmission lever 143. The light reductiontransmission lever 143 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Thelight reducing panel 146 is set in front of the flash emitter 147. Theregulation lever 141 shifts downwards. So the shutter speed changinglever 138 is caused by the torsion coil spring 140 to rotate to the lowshutter speed position.

[0206] The light reduction transmission lever 143 rotated in thecounterclockwise direction pushes the transmission pin 134 c of thesmall aperture stop plate 134, which is caused to rotate in theclockwise direction. The small aperture stop opening 134 a is set awayfrom the optical axis. A large aperture stop opening 149 in an exposureamount changer on the optical axis is rendered effective. Therefore, thelens-fitted photo film unit is set in the night flash mode or thirdphotographic mode with emission of reduced flash light, in the largeaperture stop state, and with the low shutter speed.

[0207] In the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent occurrenceof an overexposed state, because opportunity of designating the daylightflash mode is increased specifically when an unfamiliar user isuncertain in suitable designation of the photographic modes.

[0208] In FIGS. 30A-30C, another preferred external operable button 152in a movable selector is depicted. In a moving path gap 151 with firstand second gap portions, the external operable button 152 is slidvertically to designate one of the first and second photographic modesthat are the daylight and daylight flash modes. The external operablebutton 152 is slid horizontally to designate one of the second and thirdphotographic modes that are the daylight sync and night flash modes.

[0209] In FIG. 31, a slidable plate 154 is slidable up and downvertically. A slot 155 is formed in the slidable plate 154 for keepingthe external operable button 152 slidable in the horizontal direction.When the external operable button 152 is slid up, a pressure projection156 of the slidable plate 154 presses a contact segment 157, to startthe charging operation. When the external operable button 152 is slidhorizontally, the aperture stop and the shutter speed are changed overin response to the slide of the external operable button 152. The lightreducing panel and the mode indicia disk can be moved to appear.

[0210] In FIGS. 32A-32C, one preferred external operable button 160 in amovable selector is illustrated, and is movable vertically in the first,second and third set positions. A lock button 161 as a lock mechanism isassociated with the external operable button 160 in a movable mannertoward the outside. A moving path gap 162 is provided with a steppedportion. When the external operable button 160 is shifted to the secondset position, the lock button 161 contacts the stepped portion, andprevents the external operable button 160 from sliding further to thethird set position.

[0211] In FIGS. 33A-33C, another preferred external operable button 166in a slidable and depressible structure is depicted. A moving path gap165 renders the external operable button 166 shiftable between the firstand second set positions. When the external operable button 166 isdepressed from the second set position in an inward direction through ahole in the moving path gap 165, the external operable button 166 is setin the third set position.

[0212] In any of the above embodiments, the single external operablebutton is used. However, two buttons can be used for selectivelydesignating the first, second and third photographic modes.

[0213] In FIGS. 34A-34C, a moving path gap 170 movably receives a firstexternal operable button 171 and also a second external operable button172 disposed vertically under the first button 171. In FIG. 34A, thefirst and second buttons 171 and 172 are both shifted down, to designatethe daylight mode or first photographic mode. In FIG. 34B, the firstbutton 171 is shifted up with the second button 172 kept shifted down,to designate the daylight flash mode or second photographic mode. InFIG. 34C, the first and second buttons 171 and 172 are both shifted up,to designate the night flash mode or third photographic mode. It is tobe noted that, if the second button 172 is slid up from the state ofFIG. 34A to the state of FIG. 34C, the setting can be changed over fromthe first photographic mode directly to the third photographic mode.

[0214] In FIGS. 35A-35C, a preferred combination of a first externaloperable button 176 and a second external operable button 177 isillustrated. For those buttons, a moving path gap 175 has an L-shape. InFIG. 35A, the first button 176 is in its lower position to designate thedaylight mode or first photographic mode. In FIG. 35B, the first button176 is in its upper position to designate the daylight flash mode orsecond photographic mode. In FIG. 35C, the second button 177 is slidhorizontally to its left position, to designate the night flash mode orthird photographic mode.

[0215] In FIGS. 36A-36C, another preferred combination of a firstexternal operable button 181 and a second external operable button 182is disposed in a moving path gap 180 of an L-shape. In FIG. 36A, thefirst and second buttons 181 and 182 are both shifted down, to designatethe daylight mode or first photographic mode. In FIG. 36B, the first andsecond external operable buttons 181 and 182 are both shifted up, todesignate the daylight flash mode or second photographic mode. In FIG.36C, the second button 182 is shifted to the left, to designate thethird photographic mode.

[0216] Consequently, the disposition of the first and second externaloperable buttons in the single moving path gap is advantageous, becausethe first external operable button for selection of the first and secondphotographic modes can block the movement of the second externaloperable button for selection of the second and third photographicmodes. It is possible to prevent an accidental designation of the thirdphotographic mode. If a user is uncertain in selecting a suitable one ofthe modes, it is probabl for him or her to designate the daylight flashmode or second photographic mode. Occurrence of an overexposed state canbe prevented, because unsuitable designation of the third photographicmode can be avoided.

[0217] Furthermore, two separate operable buttons may be used incombination. In FIG. 37, a preferred embodiment is illustrated. A firstexternal operable button 185 is slidable vertically, to designate one offirst and second photographic modes that are the daylight and daylightflash modes. A second external operable button 186 is slidablehorizontally, to designate one of second and third photographic modesthat are the daylight sync and night flash modes. A substantialdifference between the first and second photographic modes lies inturning on and off of the flash emission. So a conventional type of abutton member can be used for the first button 185 in the same manner asthe widely used type of flash-incorporated lens-fitted photo film unit.

[0218] In FIGS. 38 and 39, actuation of the second button 186 for theflash light reduction, and changing over of the aperture stop and theshutter speed is illustrated. A ring 188 in the drawings is the same asthat used in the first one of the preferred embodiments. The ring 188 isshifted to change over the aperture stop and the shutter speed in thesame manner as the first embodiment. The operation of the ring 188 issimilar to that described heretofore.

[0219] An arm 190 extends from the second button 186 horizontally. Ashifting projection 191 projects from an end of the arm 190 in an upwarddirection. When the second button 186 slides from the left toward theright in the drawing, a pin 192 on the underside of the ring 188 iscontacted by the shifting projection 191, to rotate the ring 188 in thecounterclockwise dir ction. Thus, the aperture stop and the shutterspeed are changed over in the same manner as the first embodiment.

[0220] An extension portion 194 is formed integrally with the arm 190 ofthe second button 186, and protrudes upwards. A slot 195 is formed inthe extension portion 194, and has a straight shape extending in avertical direction. A movable pin 196 is inserted in the slot 195, andis movable up and down. A linking lever 197 is disposed to extend upfrom the slot 195, and has a lower end where the movable pin 196projects. An inclined ridge 198 is disposed behind the extension portion194 for contacting the movable pin 196.

[0221] There are a flash emitter 200 and a viewfinder 201, between whichan indication lever 203 is disposed. A pivot 202 supports one end of theindication lever 203 to keep the indication lever 203 rotatablethereabout. A mode indicia disk 204 is disposed at a second end of theindication lever 203, and shiftable into and out of a space in front ofthe viewfinder 201.

[0222] A light reducing lever 207 is disposed under the flash emitter200. A pivot 206 of the light reducing lever 207 is disposed at itsfirst end, and keeps the light reducing lever 207 rotatable. A lightreducing arm or panel 208 in a flash amount adjustor is included in asecond end portion of the light reducing lever 207, and movable into andaway from a space in front of the flash emitter 200. Also, a linking pin209 projects from a portion on an upper edge of the light reducing lever207, for rotating the indication lever 203. An upper end of the linkinglever 197 of the movable pin 196 is connected with the light reducinglever 207.

[0223] In FIG. 38, the second button 186 is shifted to the left. Thering 188 does not rotate. So the small aperture stop and the highshutter speed are determined. As the movable pin 196 is guided by theinclined ridge 198 and disposed under the slot 195 in the extensionportion 194, the light reducing lever 207 and the indication lever 203do not appear visibly.

[0224] In FIG. 39, the second button 186 is slid to the right. Theshifting projection 191 causes the ring 188 to rotate in thecounterclockwise direction, to set the large aperture stop and the lowshutter speed. The movable pin 196 is guided by the inclined ridge 198and moved to an upper portion of the slot 195 in the extension portion194. Thus, the light reducing lever 207 pushed by the linking lever 197rotates in the counterclockwise direction, to set the light reducing arm208 in front of the flash emitter 200. The light reducing lever 207 inthe rotation causes the linking pin 209 to press up the indication lever203 to set the mode indicia disk 204 in front of the viewfinder 201.

[0225] In FIGS. 40A-40C, a preferred embodiment is illustrated, in whichtwo buttons are similarly movable. A first external operable button 215is used to designate one of first and second photographic modes that arethe daylight and daylight flash modes. A second external operable button216 is slidable like the first button 215, and used to designate one ofsecond and third photographic modes that are the daylight sync and nightflash modes. It is preferable for the second button 216 to have asmaller size than the first button 215. This is effective in implicitlyindicating that the third photographic mode assigned to the first button215 is a specialized mode.

[0226] In FIGS. 41A-41C, a preferred combination of two buttons isillustrated. A first external operable button 220 is slidable up anddown for designating one of the first and second photographic modes. Asecond external operable button 221 is moved in an arc-shaped orbit fordesignating one of the second and third photographic modes.

[0227] In FIGS. 42A-42C, another preferred button combination isillustrated. A first external operable button 225 is verticallyslidable, and used for designating one of first and second photographicmodes. A second external operable button 226 is a pushbutton depressibletoward the inside, and used for designating one of second and thirdphotographic modes.

[0228] It is to be noted that one of the first and second externaloperable buttons can be given priority over the remaining one of thetwo. For example, the priority may be given to the first externaloperable button. Only when the first external operable button ispositioned for the daylight sync or second photographic mode, the secondexternal operable button can be moved and positioned for the night syncor third photographic mode. Furthermore, the priority may be given tothe second external operable button. The second external operable buttoncan be moved and positioned for the third photographic mode in a mannerirrespective of positions of the first external operable button.

[0229] It is to be noted that the sliding, rotating or moving directionof any of the external operable buttons is described only as examples.The two opposite directions assigned to the two modes changed over toone another may be modified and exchanged as desired for the purposes ofthe external operable buttons.

[0230] In the above embodiments, the photographic mode selector of theinvention is used in the lens-fitted photo film unit. However, a cameraof the invention may be an ordinary type for use with silver halidephotosensitive material, a digital camera, and other opticalinstruments.

[0231] Referring now to FIGS. 43-48, a preferred embodiment isdescribed, in which biasing of an operable button with a spring can bereliable even with an economized space and at a reduced cost. In alens-fitted photo film unit, an external operable button 315 is disposedon a front cover. There is a moving path gap 314 in which the externaloperable button 315 is movable.

[0232] Among the various elements assembled on the periphery of thelight-shielded tunnel, FIG. 43 illustrates the aperture stop changingmechanism and the shutter speed changing mechanism. There is a shutterblade 337, which includes a hole 337 a, a blade portion 337 b, a pin 337c, a transmission portion 337 d and a sync projection 337 e. The hole337 a receives insertion of a pin, and kept rotatable. The blade portion337 b is disposed in front of an exposure opening 338, and moves betweenopen and shut positions. A tension coil spring 339 is connected with thepin 337 c. The transmission portion 337 d is knocked for an exposure bya shutter driving lever. A sync switch 330 in the flash unit is turnedon by the sync projection 337 e.

[0233] The sync switch 330 includes an upper switch segment 330 a and alower switch segment 330 b. When the shutter blade 337 rotates towardthe open position, the sync projection 337 e presses the upper switchsegment 330 a, and causes the upper switch segment 330 a to contact thelower switch segment 330 b. The sync switch 330 is turned on, so a flashemitter 307 in the flash unit is caused to emit flash light.

[0234] A lens holder 341 supports a taking lens. A front face of thelens holder 341 is provided with a lens barrel 342 and a pin 344. Thelens barrel 342 has a small cylindrical shape, and contains the takinglens and a fixed aperture stop panel having a large aperture stopopening. The pin 344 supports a V-shaped small aperture stop plate 343in a rotatable manner. A hole 343 a is formed in the small aperture stopplate 343, receives insertion of the pin 344, and is supported on thefront of the lens holder 341 in a pivotally movable manner. A cutout isformed in the lens barrel 342, for allowing the small aperture stopplate 343 to move into and out of the lens barrel 342. A small aperturestop opening 343 b in the small aperture stop plate 343 is set on andaway from the optical axis, to change over the aperture stop.

[0235] On an upper surface of the lens holder 341, a shutter speedchanging lever 346 is supported in a pivotally movable manner about apivot 347. The shutter speed changing lever 346 includes a boss 348, anarm 349, a projection 350 and a pad 351. The boss 348 is supported onthe pivot 347. The arm 349 and the projection 350 protrude from the boss348. The pad 351 is formed with an end of the arm 349. A lens retentionplate (not shown) is secured to a front face of the lens holder 341, andkeeps the taking lens and the small aperture stop plate 343 retained.

[0236] A pair of retention projections 353 are formed with an end of thepivot 347 of the lens holder 341. In correspondence, a pair of notches354 are formed in the boss 348 of the shutter speed changing lever 346for insertion of the retention projections 353. To secure the shutterspeed changing lever 346 to the pivot 347, at first the pivot 347 isinserted in the boss 348 by positioning the retention projections 353 inthe notches 354. The retention projections 353 are caused to reach a topof the boss 348, before the shutter speed changing lever 346 is rotatedto a small extent. Thus, an upper face of the boss 348 is retained bythe retention projections 353. There occurs no accidental drop of theshutter speed changing lever 346 from the lens holder 341.

[0237] An intermediate ring 356 is supported on the periphery of thelens barrel 342 of the lens holder 341 in a rotatable manner. Theintermediate ring 356 includes a spring retention pin 356 a, squeezingpins 356 b and 356 c and a follower pin 356 d. The spring retention pin356 a is used to connection with one end of a tension coil spring 357.The squeezing pins 356 b and 356 c are so disposed that the projection350 of the shutter speed changing lever 346 is disposed between those.The follower pin 356 d projects toward the rear, and pushed by theselector in the photographic mode selection device. A slot 343 c isformed in the small aperture stop plate 343 in a flexed shape. A linkingpin 356 e is inserted in the slot 343 c in a shiftable manner.

[0238] A pin 359 projects from a lower portion of the lens holder 341.The tension coil spring 357 has a second end retained on the pin 359,and biases the intermediate ring 356 in a clockwise direction. Theintermediate ring 356 in the biased state is kept in the initialposition by the small aperture stop plate 343.

[0239] A transmission plate 361 is included in a piece having theexternal operable button 315. A shifting lever 362 projects from thetransmission plate 361 in a horizontal direction. A shifting lever cam363 is formed with an end of the shifting lever 362. When the externaloperable button 315 rotates from the second set position to the thirdset position, the shifting lever cam 363 pushes up the follower pin 356d. Thus, the intermediate ring 356 rotates in the counterclockwisedirection.

[0240] The slot 343 c in the small aperture stop plate 343 has acombined shape of two arcs. A first of the arcs is included in a circleconcentric with the intermediate ring 356 when the small aperture stopplate 343 is in the small aperture stop position. A second of the arcsis included in a circle concentric with the intermediate ring 356 whenthe small aperture stop plate 343 is in the large aperture stopposition. This combined shape is effective in preventing the smallaperture stop plate 343 from swinging even when the intermediate ring356 is rotated to a small extent by a mechanical shock or vibration oran error in manual operation. No exposure is taken while the smallaperture stop plate 343 is stopped in an ineffective intermediateposition.

[0241] In FIG. 45, the photographic mode selection device isillustrated. The selection device includes the transmission plate 361, aguide bearing plate 367, a guide sliding plate 366, a guide receivingplate 365, a light reduction transmission lever 368, a flash amountadjustor 369 and an indication lever 370. The guide receiving plate 365is attached to a front face of the printed circuit board of the flashunit, and keeps the guide sliding plate 366 and the guide bearing plate367 slidable in the vertical direction.

[0242] The rear of the transmission plate 361 is provid d with arotational hub ring 361 a, sliding pins 361 b and 361 c, an engageablepin 361 d, a guide pin 361 e, and a light reduction shifting projection375. The sliding pins 361 b and 361 c slide the guide sliding plate 366.The engageable pin 361 d is for engagement in a clicked state at thetime of rotation of the external operable button 315. The guide pin 361e guides movement of the external operable button 315. The lightreduction shifting projection 375 actuates the light reductiontransmission lever 368. The sliding pins 361 b and 361 c are disposedinside the rotational hub ring 361 a.

[0243] A guide bearing opening 367 a is formed in the guide bearingplate 367, and receives insertion of the rotational hub ring 361 a ofthe transmission plate 361, to keep the transmission plate 361rotatable. Slots 366 b and 366 c are formed in the guide sliding plate366. Between the transmission plate 361 and the guide sliding plate 366,the sliding pins 361 b and 361 c of the transmission plate 361 comethrough the guide bearing plate 367, and are inserted in the guidesliding plate 366.

[0244] When the external operable button 315 slides from the first setposition to the second set position, the transmission plate 361, theguide bearing plate 367 and the guide sliding plate 366 slide togetherin the upward direction as engaged with one another. When the externaloperable button 315 rotates from the second set position to the thirdset position, the sliding pin 361 c of the transmission plate 361 causesthe guide sliding plate 366 to slide further in the upward direction.The slide and rotation of the transmission plate 361 are stabilized,because the guide pin 361 e moves in contact with a guide cam 365 b ofthe guide receiving plate 365.

[0245] A retention mechanism is provided on the guide receiving plate365 and th guide bearing plate 367, and keeps the guide bearing plate367 positioned upwards and retained in a clicked state. The retentionmechanism includes a retention ridge 365 a and a resilient projection367 c. The retention ridge 365 a is formed to project from the guidereceiving plate 365. The resilient projection 367 c projects from theguide bearing plate 367.

[0246] A stop mechanism for retention in a clicked state is associatedwith the transmission plate 361 and the guide bearing plate 367, forretaining the transmission plate 361 when the external operable button315 is rotated to the third set position, and for keeping the guidesliding plate 366 positioned higher than the second set position. Thestop mechanism for the retention includes the engageable pin 361 d ofthe transmission plate 361, and a resilient projection 367 d projectingfrom the guide bearing plate 367.

[0247] An engagement fork 366 e projects from the guide sliding plate366, and is engaged with an engageable pin 317 a of a signaling lightguide 317. When the external operable button 315 is in the first setposition, the signaling light guide 317 is contained in the housing ofthe lens-fitted photo film unit. When the external operable button 315is shifted to the second set position, the signaling light guide 317comes to protrude from the upper face of the housing upon the slide ofthe guide sliding plate 366. When the external operable button 315 isrotationally shifted to the third set position, the guide sliding plate366 slides further in the upward direction. An amount of protrusion ofthe signaling light guide 317 increases.

[0248] A pressure projection 367 e projects from the rear of the guidebearing plate 367, and comes through the guide sliding plate 366 and theguide receiving plate 365 when the external operable button 315 is inthe second or third set position. A contact segment 331 in the chargerswitch of the flash unit is depressed by the pressure projection 367 e.

[0249] Pins 365 c and 365 d protrude from the guide receiving plate 365,and support respectively the light reduction transmission lever 368 andthe indication lever 370 in a rotatable manner. A boss 368 d of thelight reduction transmission lever 368 is positioned on the pin 365 c.One end of a torsion coil spring 372 positioned on the boss 368 d isretained on a portion of the light reduction transmission lever 368. Asecond end of the torsion coil spring 372 is retained on the guidereceiving plate 365. The torsion coil spring 372 in connection with thelight reduction transmission lever 368 biases a light reducing panel 319in the clockwise direction toward the inside of the housing.

[0250] A slot 369 a is formed in the flash amount adjustor 369 under thelight reducing panel 319, and extends in the vertical direction. A slot369 b is formed in the flash amount adjustor 369, and extendshorizontally. Plural pins 326 b project from an inner face of the frontcover, are disposed under the flash emitter, and are inserted in theslot 369 a. The flash amount adjustor 369 is kept slidable vertically onthe inside of the front cover by the pins 326 b. A linking pin 368 b isformed with an end of the light reduction transmission lever 368, and isinserted in the slot 369 b extending in the horizontal direction.

[0251] In FIG. 46, the xternal operable button 315 is in the second setposition. A shifting projection 377 of the light reduction transmissionlever 368 contacts the light reduction shifting projection 375. Theexternal operable button 315 is maintained in the second set position bythe bias of the torsion coil spring 372. Also at the time of the secondset position, an arc-shaped contact portion 377 a of the shiftingprojection 377 contacts a cam portion 375 a of the light reductionshifting projection 375 at a small pressure angle α. Thus, a forcerequired to rotate the external operable button 315 toward the third setposition is small.

[0252] In FIG. 47, the light reduction shifting projection 375 pressesthe shifting projection 377 when the external operable button 315 isshifted to the third set position. The light reduction transmissionlever 368 rotates in the counterclockwise direction against the bias ofthe torsion coil spring 372. The linking pin 368 b shifts up the flashamount adjustor 369, to set the light reducing panel 319 in front of theflash emitter 307. On the indication lever 370, a linking projection 370a is formed. A linking opening 368 e is formed in the light reductiontransmission lever 368. An edge of the linking opening 368 e pushes thelinking projection 370 a to rotate the indication lever 370 in theclockwise direction. So a mode indicia disk 320 is set in front of aviewfinder 306.

[0253] Between the second and third set positions, the aperture stop andthe shutter speed are changed over. Should the external operable button315 be accidentally retained between the second and third set positions,serious problems occur. Specifically upon occurrence of mechanical shockor vibration, an error in manual operation or jamming of a foreignmatter, an erroneous position of the external operable button 315 causesan unsuitable aperture stop, and lowers the image quality. If a portionof the small aperture stop plate 343 without the small aperture stopopening stops on the optical axis, no exposure occurs on the photo film.In addition, the shutter speed may become unstable. An error may occurin the synchronism of the flash device.

[0254] In the present embodiment, the light reduction transmission lever368 causes the torsion coil spring 372 to bias the transmission plate361 from the third set position toward the second set position. If auser incidentally stops moving the external operable button 315 betweenthe second and third set positions, the external operable button 315 canbe moved to the second set position by the virtue of the light reductiontransmission lever 368.

[0255] In FIG. 48, the transmission plate 361 becomes engaged with theintermediate ring 356 when the external operable button 315 comes to aposition between the second and third set positions. Even if thetransmission plate 361 slightly rotates by a finger s contact on theexternal operable button 315 in the second set position, theintermediate ring 356 does not rotate. Thus, there is no change in theaperture stop or the shutter speed. The light reduction transmissionlever 368 becomes linked with the transmission plate 361 at the lightreduction shifting projection 375 in movement of the external operablebutton 315 to the second set position. However, there is no seriousinfluence to the image quality, because only a lower small portion ofthe flash emitter 307 is covered when a position of the light reducingpanel 319 is offset.

[0256] If the external operable button 315 rotates slightly in anaccidental manner after rotation of the external operable button 315 tothe third set position, there occurs no change in the state of theaperture stop, because the slot 343 c in the small aperture stop plate343 is suitably shaped for not being influenced by small rotation of theintermediate ring 356. Furthermore, image quality is protected fromserious influence even if there is offsetting in the position of thelight reducing panel 319.

[0257] Note that the light reduction transmission lever 368 is biased bythe spring. The flash charger switch can be turned off by pushing downthe signaling light guide into the housing from a protruding state overthe upper face. This is an effect the same as that of the knownlens-fitted photo film unit.

[0258] When the signaling light guide 317 is pushed toward the inside ofthe housing at the time of third set position of the external operablebutton 315, the guide sliding plate 366 is slid down. The guide slidingplate 366 pushes the sliding pin 361 c, and rotates the transmissionplate 361 toward the second set position at a small amount. Theretention between the transmission plate 361 and the guide bearing plate367 in the clicked state is released. The transmission plate 361 iscaused to rotate to the second set position by the bias to the lightreduction transmission lever 368. Then the signaling light guide 317 ispushed down further into the housing. The guide sliding plate 366 slidesdown the guide bearing plate 367 and the transmission plate 361, toshift the external operable button 315 to the first set position.

[0259] In FIGS. 49-55, details of the present embodiment are depicted.In FIG. 49, a pressing portion 363 b of the shifting lever cam 363 isdefined on an arc of a circle with a radius R1 about a rotational axisof the external operable button 315. If the external operable button 315as stopped is rotationally offset to a small extent, there is no changein a rotational position of the intermediate ring 356. Force applied tothe intermediate ring 356 by the tension coil spring 357 is directed tothe rotational center of the transmission plate 361. Load applied to theshifting lever 362 is reduced. Therefore, no error occurs in the timingof rotation of the intermediate ring 356 due to deformation of theshifting lever 362. No failure occurs in the changeover of theintermediate ring 356.

[0260] Pressing force of the intermediate ring 356 for rotating thetransmission plate 361 to the second set position becomes the maximumshortly before the change in the contacted direction of the shiftinglever cam 363 from a pressing portion 363 a to the pressing portion 363b, and is decreased after the change. Therefore, the force of theretention of the stop mechanism for the external operable button 315 inthe third set position with a click can be determined small. Note thatit is further possible to use this operation for retaining the externaloperable button 315 in the third set position.

[0261] It is to be noted that, in FIG. 50, a projection 363 c may beformed to project from a lower end of the pressing portion 363 b of theshifting lever cam 363 and into a path of movement of the follower pin356 d. The projection 363 c contacts the squeezing pin 356 b, and iseffective in blocking rotation of the intermediate ring 356. Even whenthere is a mechanical shock or vibration, or an error in manualoperation, no disengagement occurs between the transmission plate 361and the intermediate ring 356. The intermediate ring 356 do s not rotateback to the initial position.

[0262] In FIG. 51, the external operable button 315 is rotated towardthe third set position at a small amount. The contacted direction of thelight reduction shifting projection 375 and the shifting projection 377is changed over. An arc-shaped contact portion 375 b of the lightreduction shifting projection 375 comes in contact with a flatly shapedcam follower 377 b of the shifting projection 377. At this time, the camportion 375 a becomes separate from the arc-shaped contact portion 377a, as the contacted direction is changed.

[0263] In FIGS. 52 and 53, a comparable example is illustrated, in whicha contacted direction of a light reducing shifting projection 380 and ashifting projection 381 does not change. In FIG. 54, changes in thepressure angles of those elements are illustrated in relation withrotation of the external operable button 315. According to the presentlens-fitted photo film unit, there are limited ranges in disposition offulcrums and operation points of linking members. The shapes of thelight reducing shifting projection 380 and the shifting projection 381without the changes in the contacted direction causes the pressure anglea to become 60 degrees or greater, as indicated by the broken line inFIG. 54. Load applied to the external operable button 315 in operationis likely to be excessively high. Failure may occur in linking of theexternal operable button 315 due to low precision in the production ofparts, interference of small foreign particles, or the like. However,the present embodiment is according to a changeable structure in thecontacted direction of the light reduction shifting projection 375 andthe shifting projection 377. As indicated by solid line in FIG. 54, thepressure angle can be a considerably small level.

[0264] In FIG. 47, the external operable button 315 comes to the thirdset position. An arc-shaped surface 375 c of the light reductionshifting projection 375 comes in contact with the arc-shaped contactportion 377 a of the shifting projection 377. As the arc-shaped surface375 c has a shape along an arc of a circle defined about the rotationalcenter of the external operable button 315 and having a radius R2, thepressing force of the light reduction transmission lever 368 is receivedat the rotational center of the transmission plate 361. Consequently,the light reduction transmission lever 368 does not rotate even upon asmall rotation of the external operable button 315. The position of thelight reducing panel 319 is stabilized. As the force of the lightreduction transmission lever 368 biasing the transmission plate 361toward the second set position is smaller, the stop mechanism for theretention of the transmission plate 361 in the third set position canhave smaller force of the retention. Note that it is further possible touse this operation for retaining the external operable button 315 in theclicked state.

[0265] Note that, as illustrated in FIG. 55, the arc-shaped contactportion 375 b of the light reduction shifting projection 375 may beformed to protrude over an arc defined by the arc-shaped surface 375 c.This is effective in preventing disengagement of the light reductionshifting projection 375 from the shifting projection 377 even uponerrors in manual operation. Furthermore, a projection 375 d may beformed on the arc-shaped surface 375 c. The projection 375 d preventsthe external operable button 315 from rotating to the second setposition even with the bias of the torsion coil spring 372. Thestructure of the projection 375 d can be effective additionally to themechanism for the retention in the clicked state.

[0266] In FIGS. 56-59, other preferred variants of external operablebuttons are illustrated. In FIG. 56, an external operable button 408includes a concave surface 408 a and a projecting portion 408 b. Theconcave surface 408 a is formed in a lower portion of the externaloperable button 408, and adapted for pressing up the external operablebutton 408 with a finger for a vertical slide. The projecting portion408 b is formed in an upper portion of the external operable button 408,and adapted for pressing the external operable button 408 for itsrotation and all other movement with the finger. Plural stepped ridgesare formed in the projecting portion 408 b, and are effective infrictional contact of the finger.

[0267] A hole 408 c is formed in an end of the projecting portion 408 b.An inspection tool 414 for the purpose of inspecting a switchingoperation is inserted into the projecting portion 408 b. After thelens-fitted photo film unit is completed, the inspection tool 414 with apin-shaped end is inserted in the hole 408 c. The inspection tool 414 ismoved for a straight slide and rotation in the same manner as theexternal operable button 408. Therefore, the changing operation of thephotographic modes is checked as to normality according to the shift ofthe external operable button 408 between the three positions.

[0268] Other preferred buttons are hereinafter described, which aredifferent in the shape but used in the common type of lens-fitted photofilm unit.

[0269] In FIG. 57, another external operable button 416 is illustrated.A concave surface 416 a is formed in a lower portion of the externaloperable button 416, and adapted for pressing up the external operablebutton 416 with a finger for a vertical slide. A projecting portion 416b is formed in an upper portion of the external operable button 416.Plural stepped ridges are formed in the projecting portion 416 b, andare effective in frictional contact of the finger. The ridges areadapted for pressing the external operable button 416 for its rotationand all other movement with the finger. Each of the ridges has a surfacerounded off without an angular edge. Because of the rounded shape, thetouch of the finger on the projecting portion 416 b can be good stillwith high friction. A hole 416 c is formed in the center of theprojecting portion 416 b, and used for the inspection of the switchingoperation in the same manner as the above embodiments.

[0270] In FIG. 58, still another preferred external operable button 417is illustrated. A concave surface 417 a is formed in a lower portion ofthe external operable button 417, and adapted for pressing up theexternal operable button 417 with a finger for a vertical slide. Aprojecting portion 417 b is formed in an upper portion of the externaloperable button 417. Plural stepped ridges are formed in the projectingportion 417 b, and are effective in frictional contact of the finger.Also, a pair of cutouts are formed in the projecting portion 417 b. Theridges are adapted for pressing the external operable button 417 for itsrotation and all other movement with the finger. The cutouts arespecifically advantageous in touching or pinching the external operablebutton 417 with fingers for any movement of the external operable button417. Also, a hole 417 c is formed in the center of the projectingportion 417 b, and used for the inspection of the switching operation inthe same manner as the above embodiments.

[0271] In FIG. 59, a preferred external operabl button 418 isillustrated. A projecting portion 418 a constitutes a middle portion ofthe external operable button 418. Cutouts are formed in upper and lowerend portion of the external operable button 418, to define theprojecting portion 418 a between those. The external operable button 418is adapted for pressing up and down the external operable button 418with a finger for a vertical slide. Two small projections 418 b areformed on the projecting portion 418 a, and adapted to press theexternal operable button 418 for rotation with the finger. A top end ofeach of the small projections 418 b has a level slightly lower than thatof the projecting portion 418 a. A surface of the small projections 418b is formed smoothly with this height. This smoothness is effective inreducing the contact pressure to a packaging material outside thelens-fitted photo film unit. Also, a hole 418 c is formed in the centerof the projecting portion 418 a, and used for the inspection of theswitching operation in the same manner as the above embodiments.

[0272] Note that, in the above embodiments, the engageable portion forengagement with the inspection tool 414 for switch inspection is thehole as a negatively shaped portion. However, the engageable portion forthis purpose may be a projection or the like in view of the operabilityand suitability for the inspection. However, the hole as the engageableportion is advantageous, because difficulties or troubles of packagingmaterial, such as minute dust or breakage, can be avoided withoutraising the level of the contact pressure to the packaging material.Also, it is possible to prevent interference between products inside avending machine loaded with a great number of lens-fitted photo filmunits. Furthermore, the inspection tool 414 can have a pin shape for usewith the hole by insertion. If the form of the external operable buttonis changed, the inspection tool 414 of the same type can be used. Evenwhen scratches or fine damages occurs to the engageable portion with theinspection tool 414 in the course of the switch inspection, thescratches can be considerably inconspicuous typically when theengageable portion is the negatively shaped portion. Thus, the hole isspecially preferable for use with the inspection tool 414 as anengageable portion.

[0273] In the above embodiment, the aperture stop is changed overbetween the large and small aperture stop states for the purpose ofchanging over the exposure amount. However, a fixed aperture stop may beused without a changeable structure. To change over the exposure amount,only the shutter speed of the shutter blade may be changed over. Whenthe daylight mode or daylight flash mode is selected, the shutter speedcan be the high shutter speed. When the night flash mode is selected,the shutter speed can be the low shutter speed.

[0274] Furthermore, the shutter speed may be fixed. For the purpose ofchanging over the exposure amount, only the aperture stop may be changedover.

[0275] Although the present invention has been fully described by way ofthe preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to thosehaving skill in this field. Therefore, unless otherwise these changesand modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, theyshould be construed as included therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera having a flash unit which emits flashlight when set in an on-state, and keeps said flash light from beingemitted when set in an off-state, said camera comprising: a modeselection operable member for being set in a selected one of first,second and third set positions, wherein said mode selection operablemember, when set in said first set position, sets a daylight mode forkeeping said flash unit in said off-state for an exposure, and when setin said second set position, sets a daylight flash mode for keeping saidflash unit in said on-state for an exposure, and when set in said thirdset position, sets a night flash mode for keeping said flash unit insaid on-state for an exposure; and guide means for temporarily retainingsaid mode selection operable member in said second set position inmoving said mode selection operable member from said first set positionto said second set position, and for setting a second shift of said modeselection operable member discontinuous from a first shift thereof,wherein said first shift is defined between said first and second setpositions, and said second shift is defined between said second andthird set positions.
 2. A camera as defined in claim 1, wherein saidcamera is a lens-fitted photo film unit pre-loaded with photo film.
 3. Acamera as defined in claim 1, further comprising an aperture stopchanging mechanism, movable in response to movement of said modeselection operable member, selectively settable in a small aperture stopstate with a low exposure amount and a large aperture stop state with ahigh xposure amount, wherein said aperture stop changing mechanism, whensaid mode selection operable member is in said first or second setposition, is set in said small aperture stop state, and when said modeselection operable member is in said third set position, is set in saidlarge aperture stop state.
 4. A camera as defined in claim 3, whereinsaid aperture stop changing mechanism includes a small aperture stopplate being movable into and away from a photographic light path andhaving a small aperture stop opening for defining said small aperturestop state, wherein said small aperture stop opening is set in saidlight path when said mode selection operable member is in said first orsecond set position, and said small aperture stop plate is set away fromsaid light path when said mode selection operable member is in saidthird set position.
 5. A camera as defined in claim 4, furthercomprising: a shutter blade movable between a shut position to shut saidlight path and an open position to open said light path; and a shutterspeed changing mechanism for setting a selected one of a low shutterspeed and a high shutter speed by limiting a moving range of saidshutter blade in response to movement of said mode selection operablemember, wherein said shutter speed changing mechanism sets said highshutter speed when said mode selection operable member is in said firstor second set position, and sets said low shutter speed when said modeselection operable member is in said third set position.
 6. A camera asdefined in claim 5, further comprising a sync switch for being pressedand curved by a portion of said shutter blade in movement of saidshutter blade from said shut position toward said open position, and forbeing turned on; wherein said shutter speed changing mechanism sets acurved amount of said sync switch stepwise at a selected one of largeand small amounts, so as to set each of said low and high shutterspeeds.
 7. A camera as defined in claim 6, wherein said shutter speedchanging mechanism includes a pad movable to and from a position behindsaid sync switch, wherein said pad, when said high shutter speed is set,is positioned behind said sync switch to set said curved amount of saidsync switch at said small amount, and when said low shutter speed isset, is positioned away from behind said sync switch to set said curvedamount of said sync switch at said large amount.
 8. A camera as definedin claim 6, further comprising a flash amount adjustor, movable inresponse to movement of said mode selection operable member, for settinga light amount of said flash light in a selected one of a normal stateand a light reduced state, wherein said flash amount adjustor, when saidmode selection operable member is in said first or second set position,is set in said normal state, and when said mode selection operablemember is in said third set position, is set in said light reducedstate.
 9. A camera as defined in claim 8, wherein said flash amountadjustor includes a light reducing panel for partially blocking a flashemitter of said flash unit, wherein said light reducing panel, when saidmode selection operable member is in said first or second set position,is set away from said flash emitter, and when said mode selectionoperable member is in said third s t position, is set in front of saidflash emitter.
 10. A camera as defined in claim 9, further comprising amode indicia portion for indicating said night flash mode in response tomovement of said mode selection operable member, wherein said modeindicia portion, when said mode selection operable member is in saidfirst or second set position, is set outside a viewfinder, and when saidmode selection operable member is in said third set position, is setinside said viewfinder.
 11. A camera as defined in claim 1, wherein saidfirst shift is a slide, and said second shift is a rotation.
 12. Acamera as defined in claim 1, wherein said first and second shifts are aslide in one direction common to each other; further comprising aretention mechanism for retaining said mode selection operable member insaid second set position in a clicked manner.
 13. A camera as defined inclaim 1, wherein said first shift is a slide, and said second shift is apull in an outward direction.
 14. A camera as defined in claim 1,wherein said first shift is a slide in a first direction, and saidsecond shift is a slide in a second direction.
 15. A camera as definedin claim 1, wherein said first and second shifts are a slide in onedirection common to each other; further comprising a lock mechanism,settable in locked and released states, for blocking movement of saidmode selection operable member from said second set position toward saidthird set position wh n in said locked state, and for allowing movementof said mode selection operable member from said second set positiontoward said third set position when in said released state.
 16. A cameraas defined in claim 1, wherein said first shift is a slide, and saidsecond shift is a depression in an inward direction.
 17. A camera havinga flash unit which emits flash light when set in an on-state, and keepssaid flash light from being emitted when set in an off-state, saidcamera comprising: a first mode selection operable member for being setin a selected one of first and second set positions, wherein said firstmode selection operable member, when set in said first set position,sets a daylight mode for keeping said flash unit in said off-state foran exposure, and when set in said second set position, sets a daylightflash mode for keeping said flash unit in said on-state for an exposure;and a second mode selection operable member for being set in a selectedone of third and fourth set positions, wherein said second modeselection operable member, when set in said third set position, sets anight flash mode for keeping said flash unit in said on-state for anexposure, and when set in said fourth set position, resets said nightflash mode, and causes execution of said daylight mode or said daylightflash mode determined according to said first mode selection operablemember.
 18. A camera as defined in claim 17, wherein said camera is alens-fitted photo film unit pre-loaded with photo film.
 19. A camera asdefin d in claim 17, wherein said second mode selection operable memberis settable in said third set position while said first mode selectionoperable member is set in said second set position.
 20. A camera asdefined in claim 19, further comprising an aperture stop changingmechanism, movable in response to movement of said second mode selectionoperable member, selectively settable in a small aperture stop statewith a low exposure amount and a large aperture stop state with a highexposure amount, wherein said aperture stop changing mechanism, whensaid second mode selection operable member is in said third setposition, is set in said large aperture stop state, and when said secondmode selection operable member is in said fourth position, is set insaid small aperture stop state.
 21. A camera as defined in claim 20,wherein said aperture stop changing mechanism includes a small aperturestop plate being movable into and away from a photographic light pathand having a small aperture stop opening for defining said smallaperture stop state, wherein said small aperture stop plate is set awayfrom said light path when said second mode selection operable member isin said third set position, and said small aperture stop opening is setin said light path when said second mode selection operable member is insaid fourth set position.
 22. A camera as defined in claim 21, furthercomprising: a shutter blade movable between a shut position to shut saidlight path and an open position to open said light path; and a shutterspeed changing mechanism for setting a selected one of a low shutterspeed and a high shutter speed by limiting a moving range of saidshutter blade in response to movement of said second mode selectionoperable member, wherein said shutter speed changing mechanism sets saidlow shutter speed when said second mode selection operable member is insaid third set position, and sets said high shutter speed when saidsecond mode selection operable member is in said fourth set position.23. A camera as defined in claim 22, further comprising a sync switchfor being pressed and curved by a portion of said shutter blade inmovement of said shutter blade from said shut position toward said openposition, and for being turned on; wherein said shutter speed changingmechanism sets a curved amount of said sync switch stepwise at aselected one of large and small amounts, so as to set each of said lowand high shutter speeds.
 24. A camera as defined in claim 23, whereinsaid shutter speed changing mechanism includes a pad movable to and froma position behind said sync switch, wherein said pad, when said highshutter speed is set, is positioned behind said sync switch to set saidcurved amount of said sync switch at said small amount, and when saidlow shutter speed is set, is positioned away from behind said syncswitch to set said curved amount of said sync switch at said largeamount.
 25. A camera as defined in claim 24, further comprising a flashamount adjustor, movable in response to movement of said second modeselection operable member, for setting a light amount of said flashlight in a selected one of a normal state and a light reduced state,wherein said flash amount adjustor, when said second mode selectionoperable member is in said third set position, is s t in said lightreduced state, and when said second mode selection operable member is insaid fourth set position, is set in said normal state.
 26. A camera asdefined in claim 25, wherein said flash amount adjustor includes a lightreducing panel for partially blocking a flash emitter of said flashunit, wherein said light reducing panel, when in said normal state, isset away from said flash emitter, and when in said light reduced state,is set in front of said flash emitter.
 27. A camera as defined in claim26, further comprising a mode indicia portion for indicating said nightflash mode in response to movement of said second mode selectionoperable member, wherein said mode indicia portion, when said secondmode selection operable member is in said third set position, is setinside a viewfinder, and when said second mode selection operable memberis in said fourth set position, is set outside said viewfinder.
 28. Acamera as defined in claim 17, wherein there is a single guide groove inwhich said first and second mode selection operable members are receivedin a slidable manner, said first and second mode selection operablemembers contact one another at a time of said daylight mode and saidnight flash mode, and are away from one another at a time of saiddaylight flash mode.
 29. A camera as defined in claim 17, wherein thereis a first groove in which said first mode selection operable member isreceived in a slidable manner, there is a second groove in which saidsecond mode selection operable member is received in a slidable manner,and said second groove is connected with said first groove in anL-shape.